Wheeling Man Fails to Register as Sex Offender

A Wheeling man was sentenced to three years of probation after he failed to register as a sex offender in Ohio County, West Virginia. Joseph J. Weidman, 51, was convicted under state law and is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Weidman moved to West Virginia from Massachusetts in May 2016, but failed to update his registration as a sex offender. The United States Attorney’s Office led the investigation, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the case. Weidman’s lack of registration was discovered during a routine check by authorities. ‘This case is a stark reminder of the importance of sex offender registration and public notification,’ said U.S. Attorney Bill Powell.

Weidman’s sentence is a result of his failure to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. ‘We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who fail to register as sex offenders are held accountable,’ said Powell.

The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. Vogrin’s efforts led to Weidman’s sentencing and serve as a reminder of the importance of enforcing sex offender registration laws.

Weidman’s failure to register as a sex offender has resulted in a three-year probation sentence. This sentence serves as a warning to those who fail to comply with sex offender registration laws in West Virginia.

In related news, the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with local authorities to ensure that sex offender registration laws are enforced. The office is committed to protecting the citizens of West Virginia and keeping them safe from online exploitation and abuse.