Cole County Sheriff's Department deputies fanned out throughout Jefferson City and the rest of the county on Halloween, not to trick or treat, but to verify registered sex offenders were complying with Halloween restrictions.
Per Missouri law, any person required to register as a sexual offender since 2008 must follow certain rules on Oct. 31.
The law requires offenders to avoid all Halloween-related contact with children; remain inside the residence between the hours of 5-10:30 p.m., unless required to be elsewhere for just cause, including but not limited to employment or medical emergencies; post a sign on the residence stating, "No candy or treats at this residence"; and leave all outside residential lighting off during the evening hours after 5 p.m.
Nineteen offenders were checked with 14 found to be compliant; two that did not follow the signage requirement, but corrections were immediately made; and three not home, with two of their locations verified and they met the law's exceptions.