Lake Elsinore Sex Offender Compliance Checks Result In Arrests

During a compliance check on Wednesday of registered sex offenders in Lake Elsinore and surrounding unincorporated area, five people were arrested.

But none of those who were collared were sex offenders.

During the compliance checks, the following arrests were made:

• Crystal Murray, 35, of Perris; arrested on drug charges
• Kerry Scott, 32, of Lake Perris; arrested on drug charges
• Jason Schmitt, 35, of Lake Elsinore; arrested on a parole violation
• Jack Tillema, 50, of Lake Elsinore; arrested on a parole violation
• Thomas Wheat, 42, of Lake Elsinore; arrested on an outstanding warrant

The Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station in conjunction with Lake Elsinore Police, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, Riverside County Probation, State Parole, U.S. Marshal's Service and Riverside County Code Enforcement, conducted approximately 180 compliance checks on registered sex offenders.

Wednesday’s checks were to confirm the location of the sex offenders and to ensure they were following the rules set forth by the court, according to a news release from the Lake Elsinore Police Department. All offenders contacted were determined to be in compliance, the release stated.

Those arrested were transported and booked at the Southwest Detention Center, according to the news release.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department conducts routine compliance checks on all registered sex offenders within the county, the release stated.

To keep up to date on local sex offenders, visit the Megan's Law website at www.meganslaw.ca.gov.