BEDFORD – The Lawrence County Police Department requested an arrest warrant for a 46-year-old man after an investigation revealed he was allegedly living in a local motel without updating his required sex offender registration.
Donald E. Burton, 56, whose last known registered address was in New Palestine, Indiana, is facing a Level 6 Felony charge for failure to register as a sex or violent offender. He was detained on Wednesday, March 18.
The investigation began on February 9, 2026, when Sgt. R. Compton initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle owned by a wanted individual. While the owner was not present, Sgt. Compton identified one of the passengers as Burton.
A routine background check through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) revealed that Burton is a registered sex offender or sexually violent predator. At the time of the stop, his registered address was listed in Hancock County.
On March 3, Sgt. Compton followed up on tips that Burton was staying at a Bedford-area motel. Owners of the Budget Inn confirmed to police that Burton had been a guest, though the room was officially rented under a different name, Robert Riley.
According to the probable cause affidavit, motel staff identified Burton from photographs and noted that although Riley’s name was on the receipt, it was Burton who came to the front office every day to pay for the room in cash. Records show Burton resided at the motel for approximately six days between March 3 and March 9, 2026.
Under Indiana law, individuals on the sex offender registry are strictly required to report any change of residence or temporary lodging to local law enforcement.
The investigation further revealed that Hancock County authorities confirmed Burton had not been seen at his registered address since July 2025. According to Marion County records, Burton was released from the Community Justice Center in January 2026, but he never updated his status with Hancock or Lawrence County officials upon his release.
“Based on the information provided by the motel owners, Donald Burton resided at the Budget Inn Motel in Lawrence County for approximately six days [without registering],” Sgt. Compton stated in the affidavit.
Because Burton’s current whereabouts were unknown and he reportedly relies on others for transportation, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office officially requested a warrant for his arrest.
In addition to the registration violation, Burton faces several new felony charges filed by the Bedford Police Department at the time of his arrest. These include theft of a vehicle, dealing methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of a syringe.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
