Alabama Man Fails to Register as Sex Offender

Metairie Man Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison

Metairie, LA – James W. Henley, a 45-year-old man living in Metairie, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to failure to register as a sex offender, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.

HENLEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000 and up to 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2013, before U.S. District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman.

According to documents filed in federal court, in 1995, HENLEY pled guilty to Rape in the Second Degree, a class B felony, in the Circuit Court of Covington County, Alabama. HENLEY was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment under the Habitual Offender Act. Prior to HENLEY’s release, on January 23, 2001, he was advised that he would have to register/notify law enforcement authorities of his address for the next 25 years.

In October 2012, HENLEY moved from Alabama to Louisiana and failed to notify law enforcement authorities of his move. On January 11, 2013, Deputy U.S. Marshals observed HENLEY walking along Metairie Lawn Drive in Metairie, Louisiana. HENLEY was placed under arrest and advised of his Miranda rights. Marshals confirmed that HENLEY had not registered with either Jefferson Parish or any law enforcement agency in the state of Louisiana. Further, HENLEY failed to notify the authorities in Alabama that he had moved to Louisiana.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. government to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The prosecution of this case was handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Strike Force Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba. The investigation was led by the U.S. Marshals Service.

RELATED: Tribal Challenge Fails: Resolution Copper Project Moves Forward

RELATED: Deported Honduran Faces Federal Re-Entry Charge in Louisiana