Cash reward for info on sex offender poses serious concerns

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 29-Apr-2015

Texas state and federal criminal law guidelines function under the assumption that all suspects must be considered innocent unless or until they are found guilty under the court of law. Even so, one must question whether some law enforcement tactics intended to protect the public may infringe upon the constitutional rights of criminal suspects. For instance, Texas' 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list could compromise a criminal defendant's right to a fair and impartial trial.

The Texas Department of Public Safety collaborates with law enforcement agencies across the state to construct "10 Most Wanted" lists for fugitives and sex offenders. The personal information and details concerning the alleged offenses of those featured on such lists are highly publicized, and postings are often accompanied by up-to-date photographs. Beyond that, the public is encouraged to come forward with any information about suspects' whereabouts and activities.

In an effort to gain public participation in the apprehension of criminal suspects included on state 10 most wanted lists, monetary awards are even offered for information. The Governor's Criminal Justice Division works with the state's Crime Stoppers agency to offer cash rewards to anyone who comes forward with information that results in the arrest of wanted suspects. For instance, a $5,000 award was recently publicized for information concerning a 24-year-old man accused of violating his probation and failing to join the state sex offender registry.

According to the DPS press release, the young man was not a first-time offender. His criminal history involved allegations of vehicle theft and aggravated sexual assault of a minor. The press release also included information on all the ways that the public could make anonymous tips about the suspect in question.

Source: everythinglubbock.com, "$5,000 Reward Offered for Sex Offender from Granbury," April 27, 2015