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The DeSoto County Sheriffβs Office (DCSO) aggressively monitors and investigates registered sexual offenders and predators to ensure full compliance with the law.
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Charles Elias Hengsteler Jr. is a registered sexual offender out of the State of Ohio due to a 1998 conviction pursuant to Ohio Criminal Code Section 2907.04 β Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor β Between Ages 13 to 16 with a lifetime registration requirement.
F.S.S. 943.0435(6) indicates that local law enforcement agencies shall verify the addresses of sexual offenders who are not under the care, custody, control, or supervision of the Department of Corrections, and may verify the addresses of sexual offenders who are under the care, custody, control, or supervision of the Department of Corrections, in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of the federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. Local law enforcement agencies shall report any failure by a sexual offender to comply with registration requirements.
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Recently, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office notified DCSO that Hengsteler had an active warrant for registration violations and was believed to be in DeSoto County in the area of Owens School Street.
DCSO Deputies Klug and Lane successfully located Hengsteler, who initially refused to identify himself. After confirming his identity, deputies arrested him on the warrant. Deputies determined Hengsteler had failed to register his address in DeSoto County and had not registered a vehicle he owned. He admitted knowing the law but stated he wanted to be free.
Detective Grace continued the investigation and found Hengsteler had also failed to register a cell phone and had not updated his employment information as required. Hengsteler told Detective Grace he did not believe his registration requirements should have followed him from Ohio to Florida. He even said he stopped fishing to avoid potential encounters with law enforcement.
Charles Elias Hengsteler Jr. was charged with the following in DeSoto County:
β’ FSS 943.0435 (4)(a) – Fail to Notify Driver License Office Change of Address
β’ FSS 943.0435 (4)(e)(2) – Fail to Register Changes to Employment Information
β’ FSS 943.0435 (4)(e)(2) – Fail to Register Phone Number
β’ FSS 943.0435 (4)(e)(2) – Fail to Register Vehicles Owned
β’ FSS 943.0435 (2)(b) – Fail to Provide Personal Information as Required
β’ FSS 943.0435 (9)(a) – Fail to Register within 48hrs
He was also served his warrant from Levy County and is currently incarcerated in DeSoto County Jail. Once he has addressed his charges in DeSoto County, he will be transferred to Levy County to face any charges pending in their jurisdiction.
Sheriff Potter commends our deputies and detectives for their diligence in ensuring this offender was held accountable. A sexual offender deliberately avoiding registration requirements is unacceptable. DCSO remains committed to monitoring all registered offenders and predators and thoroughly investigating violations.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the hardworking members of Levy County Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation, investigation, and timely communication. Together, we continue to protect our communities and keep DeSoto County and the State of Florida safe.
For a complete list of registered sexual offenders and predators in the state of Florida, as well as important information on registration requirements and residency restrictions, please visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Offender Search at the link below:
