Ozark Acres, Ark. — September 7, 2025
A Missouri man wanted on a federal warrant was apprehended in Sharp County on September 3, 2025, for failing to register as a sex offender in both Missouri and Arkansas, authorities reported. Michael Williams, 54, was arrested without incident at a residence in Ozark Acres following a joint operation between the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Details of the Arrest
On September 3, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service contacted the SCSO regarding Michael Williams, a registered sex offender listed by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a sexually violent predator. According to the SCSO, Williams was wanted in Missouri for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements under the Missouri Sex Offender Registration Act (§§ 589.400–425, RSMo). Authorities confirmed that Williams also failed to register as a sex offender in Arkansas, as required by the Arkansas Sex Offender Registration Act of 1997 (Ark. Code Ann. § 12-12-901 et seq.), after establishing residency in the state.
Deputies located Williams at a home in Ozark Acres, a community in Sharp County, and took him into custody without resistance. He was subsequently transported to a federal holding facility, though the specific facility was not disclosed in the SCSO’s statement. The exact nature of Williams’ prior convictions was not detailed in the announcement, as the NCIC designation of “sexually violent predator” pertains to registration status and not specific criminal history, per Missouri and Arkansas registry guidelines.
Legal Context
Under Arkansas law, failure to register as a sex offender is a Class C felony, punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison and fines up to $10,000, depending on the offender’s history and compliance status. Missouri similarly classifies failure to register as a felony, with penalties varying based on the offense’s severity. The SCSO did not specify whether additional state charges will be filed in Arkansas or if the case will proceed solely under the federal warrant. The U.S. Marshals Service’s involvement indicates a federal violation, likely tied to interstate non-compliance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006.
Sheriff’s Office Statement
Sheriff Shane Russell expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service, stating, “This partnership helps keep our communities safe.” The SCSO emphasized the importance of such joint efforts in addressing violations by registered sex offenders, particularly those with designations like Williams’.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is urged to contact the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office at (870) 994-7356 or the U.S. Marshals Service at (501) 324-6256. Anonymous tips can be submitted through either agency.
Ongoing Investigation
Details regarding Williams’ residency in Ozark Acres, his prior movements, or the duration of his non-compliance were not released, as the investigation remains active. The SCSO and U.S. Marshals Service have not indicated whether further charges are pending.
The Batesville Tribune will provide updates on this case as new information becomes available. For those with relevant information, contact the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office at (870) 994-7356.
