February 14, 2025

Pizen Switch Times

established 2021

LCSO Sheriff Brad Pope. Pizen Switch Times file photo.

Lyon County Sheriff Brad Pope’s Message of the Week on February 14, 2025

Message of the Week 02/14/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day!

A month ago, I detailed the reshaping of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office sex offender task force and stated that the task force would be more aggressive toward the registered sex offenders who choose to make Lyon County their home. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Task Force has been aggressively contacting and making arrests of out-of-compliance sex offenders. The philosophy of “one minute out of compliance is too long” has been adopted throughout the department. Three arrests have been made since the message and directive were released to the community.

Registered sex offenders need to take note; if the information you provide is incomplete or inaccurate, you will be arrested immediately.

Several community members have expressed concern about how quickly sex offenders are released from the Lyon County Jail once they are arrested. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office has zero control over their release; it is a justice court and legislative issue.

Several people have commented on the number of sex offenders in Lyon County, stating there are as many as 3,000 registered sex offenders in Lyon County; the actual statistics are:
  • Total Offenders Overseen: 251 registered sexual offenders.
  • Fernley: 89
  • Silver Springs/Stagecoach: 86
  • Dayton: 44
  • Mason/Smith Valley: 32

I‘ll end this message with the Mission / Vision Statements of the Sex Offender Task Force to reiterate the approach the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office is taking:

Mission Statement: The mission of the Task Force is multifaceted, focusing on:

  • 1. Ensuring that sexual offenders required to register with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office remain in compliance with all legal requirements of their registration.
  • 2. Investigating reports of offenders who are out of compliance.
  • 3. Investigating reports of sexual offenders residing in Lyon County who are not currently registered as required by law.
  • 4. Making arrests when appropriate to uphold the law and ensure compliance.
Proactive Community Protection:

As part of its commitment to the community, the Task Force routinely and proactively contacts registered sexual offenders to verify their continued compliance. These proactive measures are crucial in maintaining the safety and well-being of Lyon County residents.

Vision and Goals:

The overarching goal of the Task Force is to achieve and maintain 100% compliance among all registered sexual offenders residing in Lyon County. For those who choose not to adhere to their legal obligations, the Task Force is resolute in ensuring they are brought to justice.

Respectfully,
Sheriff Brad Pope