In accordance with the mandate of ARS 13-3825, the Community Notice of Sex Offender Act, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) recently made an important announcement. Michael W. Roberts, 40, a convicted sex offender, was released to an unincorporated area of Yavapai County, Arizona. This notice provides information about Mr. Roberts and is not intended to incite fear or harassment of Mr. Roberts, who is not currently being sought by YCSO.
About community notifications
The law requires that the community be notified when certain sex offenders are reintegrated into society. Michael W. Roberts, who was convicted in 2007 of attempted child molestation and sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl, falls into this category. Even though he has completed his sentence, the law emphasizes the importance of community awareness of safety and vigilance. YCSO takes steps to ensure the community is informed through tools such as the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Program and a free email alert system.
Resources to improve your safety
In addition to the notice, YCSO highlighted several resources aimed at enhancing community safety. These include the aforementioned registration system and email alert system that provide detailed information about registered sex offenders living near Yavapai County residents. YCSO's Crime Prevention Division helps initiate neighborhood watch programs and also provides valuable personal safety information.
Community role in safety
YCSO emphasizes the importance of an informed community for a safer community. However, we also warn against the misuse of this information for purposes such as blackmailing, threatening or harassing sex offenders, and such behavior will not be tolerated. YCSO encourages residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, reinforcing our collective responsibility to maintain a safe and informed community.
This notice highlights law enforcement's continued efforts to balance the individual rights of released offenders with the community's rights to safety and information. Proactive communication by YCSO embodies a commitment to public safety and awareness and fosters an environment where vigilance and cooperation are paramount.
