PALMER LEE WARD

The Izard County Sheriff’s Department is releasing this information pursuant to Act 989 of 1997 and amendments of 2006 regarding sex offenders.  Palmer Lee Ward is residing at 300 Searcy Drive, off Shadow Gate Road, Violet Hill, Arkansas.  Ward   was convicted   in  December 1999 for sexual assault first degree involving an eleven year old female.   The offense was that  Ward fondled the child to include digital penetration and engaging in intercourse with the child.

Sheriff Tate Lawrence said that Ward is classified as a Level 3 Offender which states that these individuals usually have histories of repeat sexual offending and/or strong anti-social, violent  or predatory personality characteristics.  Sexual compulsions are likely to be present, but may be kept under control when relapse prevention plans are followed and treatment is continued.  The offense patterns of Level 3 Offenders reflect a relatively high probability of re-offense and/or risk of substantial injury to victims should re-offense occur.

Ward  is described as a 45 year old white male, 5’ 11’ tall, 165 pounds  having brown eyes and brown hair..

Sheriff Lawrence said that a sex offender notification has been or will be hand delivered to residences within  a half mile radius  of Ward’s residence.  This notification is not intended to increase fear, rather it  is our belief that  an informed public is a safer public.  The Izard County Sheriff’s Department has no legal authority to direct where a sex offender lives.  Unless court-ordered restrictions exist, the offender is constitutionally free to live where he chooses. Lawrence went on to say that sex offenders have always lived in our communities, but it wasn’t until the passage of the Sex and Child Offender Registration Act that law enforcement even knew where they were living.  In many cases, law enforcement is now able share information with the public.  This information cannot be used to threaten, intimidate, or harass registered sex offenders; otherwise law enforcement’s ability to do community notifications could potentially end.  We believe the only person who wins if the community notification ends is the sex offender in that sex offenders derive their power through secrecy.

News Release                                                    Note: Picture of Ward provided print

For Immediate Release                                                media

August 31, 2012

POC: Sheriff Tate Lawrence

870 368 4203