BEDFORD – A Mitchell man is facing a Level 5 felony charge after local authorities alleged he failed to comply with Indiana’s Sex and Violent Offender Registry requirements.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Chief Deputy Brandon Blackwell of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, 57-year-old Donald E. Jones was requested for arrest following an investigation into his residency status. Jones is currently classified as a “Sexually Violent Predator” under Indiana law.
The investigation began when the county’s registry coordinator reported that Jones, who declared himself homeless on March 30, 2026, failed to provide a specific and accurate location of where he was staying. While individuals reporting as homeless are required to check in person every seven days—a requirement Jones reportedly met—they must also provide a verifiable location of residence.
Court documents state that Jones initially claimed to be staying along railroad tracks between Fibertech and Shoals. However, a field verification check conducted by Deputy Clifford Pruett on April 24 was unsuccessful in locating him.
Authorities say Jones was given multiple opportunities throughout April and early May to provide specific coordinates or a physical address, including a potential residence near Fishing Creek Church. Despite these requests and several phone contacts with the Sheriff’s Office, Jones allegedly failed to produce the required information by the May 6 deadline.
Because Jones has a prior conviction for failure to register, the current charge has been enhanced to a Level 5 Felony.
A warrant was requested for his arrest. He was detained on Monday, May 11.
Individuals on the Sex and Violent Offender Registry are required by law to provide accurate residential information to ensure public safety and law enforcement oversight.
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.
