The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office announced that a newly registered sex offender, identified as James Lee Lane, also known as James Lee Drewery, has taken up residence at 3400 County Road 30 in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
According to Sheriff John F. Montgomery, Lane has been classified as a Level 2 offender by state authorities. This level indicates a moderate risk of re-offense and requires community notification under Arkansas law. The classification is based, in part, on the age of the victim.
Court records indicate that Lane entered a guilty plea to First-Degree Statutory Rape on September 4, 2002. Officials reported that the offense involved sexual contact with a female victim under the age of 14, who was the daughter of an acquaintance.
Lane is not currently sought by law enforcement for any active charges. The notification, required by state law, aims to inform residents for safety purposes, not to provoke fear, Sheriff Montgomery emphasized. "This information cannot be used to threaten, intimidate, or harass registered sex offenders," the sheriff’s statement warned, adding that abuse of the notification system could jeopardize its community safety goals.
The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office continues its efforts to comply with Arkansas statutes governing public notification of registered sex offenders, aiming to ensure residents remain informed while respecting the legal and social boundaries surrounding these individuals.