By Molly Ann Howell
Managing Editor
The U.S. Sentencing Commission reports that approximately 850,000 registered sex offenders currently live in the U.S.
In an interview with the Sun, McKinley County Sheriff James Maiorano III and Sgt. Tammy Houghtaling discussed how their department manages registered sex offenders and what life looks like for individuals after a conviction.
Under New Mexico state statute, county governments manage sex offender registration. In McKinley County, registered individuals report directly to Houghtaling.
Currently, 53 sex offenders must report to Houghtaling. However, several maintain dual registrations—requiring them to check in with the Navajo Nation or Apache County as well—because they reside on the Navajo reservation while working on state land. Excluding those dual registrants, McKinley County’s base count drops to 46.
Maiorano noted that all county registrants committed felonies, such as rape or sexual assault of a minor. At present, McKinley County has no individuals registered for lesser offenses such as indecent exposure.
While individual court sentences dictate specific conditions, Houghtaling manages most offenders under a 90-day check-in schedule, though some only check in every six months. Factors such as the specific offense, the victim’s age, and the conviction date determine these schedules.
Upon release from prison, offenders have 10 days to report to Houghtaling and complete their registration. If they fail to show up, their probation officer intervenes. During this initial setup, offenders must provide personal information, fingerprints, and a DNA sample. Under state law, failing to comply constitutes a fourth-degree felony, which carries up to 18 months in prison.
In addition to initial registration, Houghtaling tracks where offenders live, whom they live with, where they work or attend school, and whether they have contact with minors.
Houghtaling also has to know where the offender is living and who they’re living with, if they have any contact with minors, where they’re working, and/or if they’re going to school.
However, enforcement often presents complex scenarios. For example, Houghtaling recalled one offender who lives with a girlfriend and her children. Because he completed his probation, state law allows him to reside in the home.
So, how does a sex offense conviction shape an individual’s day-to-day life after release?
“They are living normal lives because they served out their punishment, and now they’re supposed to be productive members of the community, so they’re gainfully employed, they have a home,” Maiorano said. “We have some who are truck drivers or some who work at businesses or are local business owners.”
Maiorano emphasized that life after a conviction doesn’t have to drastically change, provided individuals follow the rules and maintain their check-ins.
“Life can be normal, if you continue to check in, but if you fail to check in it results in additional criminal charges,” Maiorano said.
Houghtaling agreed, noting that the vast majority of offenders she monitors follow the rules.
“We do have some that are a thorn in my side, but those are very few,” she said.
When an offender finishes a prison sentence, Houghtaling issues them an employment verification form, which applies even if they plan to attend school instead of working. Furthermore, if the offender held a job prior to serving time, the employer retains full discretion to keep or fire them.
Beyond employment and housing restrictions, a felony conviction permanently alters a person’s civil liberties. Felons lose their right to own firearms or work in law enforcement. However, in New Mexico, former felons regain their right to vote immediately upon release from prison.
To view the list of sex offenders in your area, visit the New Mexico Offender Watch website at https://www.offenderwatch.com/network/new-mexico.
