A traffic stop in Natchitoches has led to the arrest of a non-compliant sex offender, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
On Thursday afternoon, Aug. 6 at approximately 3:30 p.m., deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were patrolling on Williams Avenue in Natchitoches when they stopped a silver 2009 Dodge Charger for a traffic violation.
During the traffic stop, deputies identified the driver as 48-year-old Edward T. Vercher of Robinson Street in Natchez, La.
During an NLETS driver’s license and local warrants check, deputies learned that Vercher was wanted on outstanding warrants secured through the 10th Judicial District Court by the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau Sex Offender Compliance Unit for two counts of Failure to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender.
Vercher is an active Tier 3 sex offender registrant. He was convicted in the State of Texas in 1998 of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Age of 15.
Vercher was placed under arrest and transported to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on three counts of Failure to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender, the third count stems from Vercher not reporting the vehicle as a mode of transportation to detectives and Driving Under Suspension.
He remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.
Sheriff Stuart Wright said the arrest demonstrates the importance of proactive patrol efforts and continued sex offender compliance enforcement.
“Sex offender registration and notification requirements are in place to help protect our communities and provide the public with important information,” Sheriff Wright said. “Our Sex Offender Compliance Unit works diligently to ensure registered offenders are meeting their legal obligations. When individuals fail to comply, we will take appropriate enforcement action. I commend our patrol deputies and investigators for their attention to duty and continued commitment to public safety.”
Deputies A. Middleton and A. Mays were involved in the traffic stop and arrest.
Detective Sergeant M. Robertson and Deputy D. Rachal served as case agent in the sex offender compliance investigation.