Sex Offender Fails to Register

A former sex offender, Kimberly Ann Avery, 53, of Augusta County, Virginia, has pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender. According to the United States Attorney, Avery was aware that she was required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and had previously completed registration forms in 2011 and 2015.

However, Avery failed to maintain her registration and was found to have absconded from state probation on September 29, 2015. A probation officer prepared a major violation report citing multiple probation violations, including having contact with minor children, using illegal drugs, and absconding from state probation.

Avery’s whereabouts were unknown until investigators with the United States Marshals Service in the Southern District of Texas located her on November 4, 2015. During an interview, Avery stated she was tired of being labeled a monster and that she absconded because she wanted to live a normal life.

Investigators also interviewed Avery’s friend, GT, who admitted to knowing Avery for 30 years and stated that Avery had picked him up from Connecticut and traveled to California and Texas. GT claimed that Avery did not register as a sex offender because she knew she would be arrested if she did.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day prosecuted the case for the United States.

United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. stated, “Keeping and maintaining an accurate and up-to-date sex offender registry is an important tool in keeping our communities informed and safe. When individuals fail to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, they will be held accountable.”

Avery is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. The charges against her carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.