San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Probation Department conducted a multi-agency operation July 12 to check probation compliance on 26 convicted sex offenders. One arrest was made for a parole violation and two new investigations are underway for further potential sex crimes.
Five teams split up across the county to conduct extensive searches of residences and vehicles belonging to sex offenders.
The operation, led by Deputy Probation Officer Heather Donoho of the adult high-risk supervision unit, was conducted in the afternoon and evening with the assistance of San Rafael Police Department, the Novato Police Department, and the State of California’s Division of Adult Parole Operations.
Five teams split up across the county to conduct extensive searches of residences and vehicles belonging to sex offenders. Several electronic items were seized and will be examined over the coming days for potential violations related to sexual offenses involving minors. The search of two offenders has resulted in two investigations into further sexual crimes involving minor victims.
Offenders who were found to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs and in violation of their probation conditions were transported to the Helen Vine Recovery Center in San Rafael. One offender was arrested and transported to Marin County Jail after a search of his residence yielded violations involving pornography and drugs.
The Probation Department was prepared with an array of sanctions as well as tangible rewards such as bus passes and gift cards for compliant offenders. Six gift cards were distributed to offenders who were in compliance and are working hard at changing their lives.
The Probation Department is committed to focusing resources on both community safety and the rehabilitation of those who enter the criminal justice system and this is just one of our many efforts.
“The courts and the community expect that the Probation Department properly supervise those given a grant of probation,” said Chief Probation Officer Michael Daly. “Part of that supervision includes unannounced probation searches at their residences to see if the person is adhering to all conditions of probation.”
California's Sex Offender Registration Act, also known as Megan's Law, requires anyone convicted of a California sex crime to register with the law enforcement agency of the city or county in which they live. Their registration must be renewed annually and every time that offender moves to a new address. Knowingly and willfully failing to meet the requirement will lead to charges under California Penal Code 290(b).3.