Adams County Sex Offender Registry

The Adams County sex offender registry is maintained by the Adams County Sheriff's Department in Decatur, Indiana. You can search for registered sex offenders in Adams County using the statewide iCrimeWatch portal or by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The search is free, and results include photos, addresses, and offense details for every person currently registered in the county.

How to Search Adams County Sex Offenders

The main tool for searching sex offenders in Adams County is iCrimeWatch Indiana. This is the official statewide portal used by all 92 Indiana county sheriffs. You can search by name, by address, or by browsing the county. When you search by address, the system shows all registered offenders within a one-mile radius of that location. Results are free and open to anyone.

The Adams County Sheriff's Department also maintains a dedicated page for sex offender information. The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains the sex offender registry at their website.

The county registry page links directly into the statewide database, so the data is consistent with what you find on iCrimeWatch. You can also sign up for free email alerts through the national NSOPW portal, which will notify you when an offender moves into or out of your area.

Note: Search results are updated in real time as county sheriffs enter new registrations into the system.

Adams County Sheriff's Office

The Adams County Sheriff's Department handles all sex offender registration for the county. Their office is located at 313 S 1st Street, Decatur, IN 46733. The phone number is 260-724-2600. The sex offender registrar for Adams County is Karren Ewing. You can reach the registrar at 601-442-2752 ext. 8348. All calls to the registrar are confidential.

The sheriff's office is the point of contact for new registrations, address changes, and verification appointments. If you have questions about a specific registrant or need to report someone you believe is not in compliance, call the office directly. The sheriff's staff can also help you understand local registration requirements that apply to offenders living or working in Adams County.

You can learn more about the department at the Adams County government website.

Adams County Sex Offender Registry Overview

Indiana's sex offender registry operates under IC 11-8-8, known as Zachary's Law. This law took effect January 1, 2003, and was named after Zachary Snider of Cloverdale, Indiana, a child who was murdered by a registered sex offender. The law requires all Indiana counties to maintain a public registry of sex and violent offenders and make that information available to the public at no cost.

In Adams County, the registry is part of the statewide system managed jointly by the Indiana Sheriffs' Association and all 92 county sheriffs. The Indiana Sheriffs' Association provides technical support and ensures the registry stays current across all counties. Under IC 36-2-13-5.5, county sheriffs are required by law to maintain the registry and keep public information available online.

The registry covers people who live, work, or attend school in Adams County. That means an offender registered in another county may still appear in Adams County searches if they work here. The system updates daily as new information comes in from local law enforcement.

Who Must Register as a Sex Offender

Indiana law at IC 11-8-8-4.5 defines who qualifies as a sex offender. The list of offenses that require registration includes:

• Rape (IC 35-42-4-1)
• Child molesting
• Child exploitation and possession of child pornography
• Criminal deviate conduct
• Sexual misconduct with a minor
• Voyeurism involving minors
• Certain out-of-state convictions that would be offenses under Indiana law

Violent offenders convicted of murder or other serious violent crimes may also be required to register. Under IC 11-8-8-7, any person who moves to Indiana and has a prior qualifying conviction must register within 72 hours of arriving in the state. This 72-hour window also applies when an offender is released from prison, moves to a new county, or starts working in a new location.

Adams County Registration Requirements

When registering in Adams County, offenders must appear in person at the sheriff's office. They must provide their full name and any aliases, date of birth, home address, employer address, school address (if applicable), vehicle information, and internet identifiers such as email addresses and social media usernames. A current photograph is taken at each registration visit.

Most offenders must verify their registration once a year in person. Sexually violent predators (SVPs) must verify every 90 days. These verification appointments must be completed on time. Missing a verification appointment is treated the same as failing to register, which is a Level 6 felony under IC 11-8-8-17. A second offense can be charged as a Level 5 felony, which carries a longer prison sentence.

Standard registration lasts 10 years from the date of release from prison, probation, or parole. Sexually violent predators and people convicted of crimes against victims under age 12 must register for life.

Residency Restrictions in Adams County

Indiana law places limits on where certain sex offenders can live. Under IC 35-42-4-11, people classified as "offenders against children" cannot live within 1,000 feet of a school, youth program center, or public park. This restriction applies in Adams County just as it does in all other Indiana counties. Violations are charged as Level 6 felonies.

Offenders also cannot establish a residence within one mile of their victim's home. These rules affect where a registrant can rent an apartment, buy a home, or even stay with family. If you are unsure whether a specific address complies with residency restrictions, contact the Adams County Sheriff's Department before moving. Staff can help confirm whether a proposed address is within a restricted zone.

Note: Local zoning rules or conditions of parole may add further restrictions beyond what state law requires.

Nearby Indiana Counties

Search sex offender registries in counties near Adams County.