Sheriffs seek to ensure sex offenders' compliance

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WALA) - Two men were arrested after authorities conducted a sweep of convicted sex offenders in Jackson County dubbed “Operation Overshadow.”

In early July, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) and US Marshal Service visited the listed addresses of each one of the 195 registered sex offenders in the county. Authorities issued warrants on six offenders who were found to be in non-compliance after the two-day operation.

Two men who had warrants issued on them, Edward Vrocher and Clifton Barrett, have been arrested.

Vrocher, 49, was arrested on August 10. Authorities say he was charged after they found he was not living at the address in Moss Point that he provided to the Department of Public Safety and JCSO. Vrocher was convicted in Mobile of second degree sexual abuse in 1999 and was released on $5,000 bond.

Barrett, 46, was arrested for the same charge of non-compliant sex offender. Officers found he did not live at an address in Moss Point which he was registered at. His 2007 conviction of sexual misconduct with a minor came out of Marion County, Ind.

If convicted, both men could face five years in the Mississippi State Penitentiary and a fine of up to $5,000.

Citizens can access the Mississippi Sex Offender Registration website to view all of the Mississippi Sex Offender laws and requirements, along with searching for sex offenders in their respective area(s).

Citizens can also access sex offenders in their area(s) and submit tips, via email, by going to the sheriff's office website.