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Marion County targets sex offenders near east side park

The sheriff's office conducted a surprise offender compliance operation Friday morning in the area of Brookside Park.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office conducted a surprise sweep Friday morning of a known sex offender hotspot on the east side of Indianapolis. 

Deputies from the MCSO Sex Offender Registry Unit checked offenders at multiple residences in the area of Brookside Park, making sure the offenders were complying with their court orders.

"I noticed there is a lot living on one house on the next street, with their school being over here and the park being so close in between, it does worry me," said Jessica Cruz.

The deputies also patrolled the neighborhood, park, and aquatic center, searching for known sex offenders who might be violating their probation by coming near children on their summer break.

Sheriff Kerry Forestal held a press conference after the sweep, which lasted about an hour and made contact at several homes. Forestal said on one street in the area, 14 known sex offenders were residing "and we can't have that not known to the public." 

Credit: Steve Jefferson/WTHR
Marion Co. Sheriff's deputies executed a surprise sex offender sweep near Brookside Park in Indianapolis Friday, July 9, 2021.

The sheriff said Marion County is home to approximately 1,800 known sex offenders who, by law, are required to register with his office on a regular basis, but many do not comply.

"The requirement is to check on violent serious offenders every 90 days, we check every 30 days," Forestal said.

There are a half dozen violent or sex offenders registered at the same address on the street. There are also two other houses with multiple offenders. 

Cruz said it leaves her having to be overly protective of her children.

"I don't let them leave my sight. It is scary nowadays," Cruz said.

To search the Indiana Sex Offender Registry, click here.

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