(CINCINNATI) – For the second week in a row, Attorney General Mike DeWine is thanking the public for helping find a wanted sex offender.
According to authorities with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Jermaine Graham, 41, was arrested Wednesday morning on Van Buren Avenue by Cincinnati's Police Fugitive Unit. He'd been wanted on a warrant for Failure to Provide a Change of Address since January 2011.
"People living in our neighborhoods have the right to know if a sex offender is living next door, across the street or down the road," said Attorney General DeWine. "There is always the possibility that some sex offenders could reoffend, so residents have the right to make sure their children are protected."
The Attorney General issued a plea to the public Tuesday to help authorities find Graham, as part of his Crimes Against Children Initiative. The initiative publicizes convicted sex offenders who have victimized children and are wanted on outstanding warrants. Graham, a sexually oriented offender, was convicted in 2007 on a charge of sexual imposition against a juvenile female.
Authorities with the Cincinnati Police Department said they received a tip from a resident about Graham's whereabouts after Cincinnati media broadcast the information.
"We work incredibly close with the local media, and we always appreciate when viewers call in with information about a wanted suspect," said Sgt. Jeff Hunt. "Whenever we get help from the public we make a very efficient team."
Last week, residents in Springfield alerted authorities to the whereabouts of another wanted offender who was later arrested in Kentucky.
Other measures taken as part of the Attorney General's Crimes Against Children Initiative include the establishment of a Crimes Against Children Unit at the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, creation of a rapid response team for crimes against children, and specialized law enforcement training through BCI and the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA).
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840