Citizen Tips Lead to Sex Offender Arrest
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James Hammock did not feel like talking as he left the Crockett County Courthouse. According to an affidavit he was arrested Tuesday for violation of the Sex Offender Registration. “Really the only thing he did wrong is he didn’t register and if he had just registered he would still be out, that’s all he had to do, it’s just failing to follow the instructions,” said Sheriff Troy Klyce. According to police records in 1996 Hammock was convicted in Lauderdale County of incest. His name was on the sex offender registry in Lauderdale County, but the sheriff’s department said when he moved to Crockett County last year he never walked into the department and registered. “Obviously people in the neighborhoods want to know. I would want to know who’s living next to me,” Klyce said. The house where Hammock lives is located next door to the Bearded Frog Family Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor. “I’m not real comfortable with it. I have children and I know there is a lot of kids that eat here and they play out in the parking lot and stuff and I don’t know it’s not comforting,” said waitress Shelly Webb. According to the TBI there are currently 37 sex offenders living in Crockett County. A sex offender has to register within 48 hours of a residence change. “There is a long list of requirements for a lifetime sex offender. I know that has been pounded into their heads,” said Klyce. No action was taken by the court Thursday. Hammock is scheduled to be back in court March 22.
