While conducting routine address checks, it was discovered that three sex offenders had absconded from the addresses where they were reportedly living in.
ATASCOSA COUNTY, Texas — Authorities in Atascosa County are still searching for two registered sex offenders who failed to comply with state registration requirements, according to the sheriff’s office.
During routine address checks last week, deputies discovered that three registered sex offenders, in unrelated cases, were no longer living at the addresses they had reported in Atascosa County, Sheriff Jake Guerra said.
“As sheriff of the county, I take that responsibility serious, to make sure that these sex offenders are complying with their court-ordered registration,” Guerra said.
Under Texas law, registered sex offenders are required to report to their local law enforcement agency and keep their registration information up to date. Guerra said all three individuals failed to do so.
“According to state law, it’s up to them to find their local law enforcement agency and register themselves,” Guerra said. “It’s their responsibility to keep up with it.”
One of the three, Blake Flores, was located and taken into custody Tuesday. Deputies found Flores at an abandoned home in Christine, where he was also found in possession of crystal meth, according to the sheriff’s office.
The remaining two offenders are still unaccounted for. Guerra is asking for the public’s help in locating them.
“We don’t know why they’re not complying. Are they on the run? Are they up to no good?”
Guerra also issued a warning to parents, urging them to stay alert and involved.
“Just keep an eye on their children,” he said. “Know where they’re going, know where they’re at, know who they’re with.” He also encouraged parents to monitor their children’s social media and phone activity, saying that involvement can help keep kids safe.
All three individuals face felony charges for failing to register as sex offenders and violating conditions of registration. Felix Sandoval and Antonio Gamez Vasquez statuses on the Texas Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry is listed as “absconded.”
Authorities urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the remaining offenders to call 911.