The Duluth Police Department has issued a community safety notification regarding the release of Arthur Vernon, a 71-year-old man with a history of sexual abuse. According to the notification, Vernon will be residing on the 5600 block of Grand Avenue in Duluth, MN, starting from May 22, 2025.
Vernon, whose OID is 110411, stands 6 feet tall and weighs about 350 pounds, with hazel eyes and grey hair. He was committed to the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) on November 2, 1992, and has now been provisionally released. The Department has sought to carefully inform the public to potentially heighten awareness and enhance safety. The release states, "This notification is not intended to increase fear but rather raise awareness. Law enforcement believes that an informed public is a safer public." The Duluth PD has provided this information as part of compliance with Minnesota Statutes 244.052 and 253D, which mandate community notifications for certain offenders transitioning back into the community.
It is noted in the notification that Vernon has a significant history that includes "sexually abusing adult female strangers and acquaintances, and both female and male child acquaintances," as well as using "threats and force to gain compliance." Vernon is legally mandated to register with law enforcement, as per Minnesota Statues 243.166 or 243.167, because of his past criminal sexual conduct.
The Duluth Police Department emphasizes that they do not have the authority to dictate where Vernon, or any individual in his position, can live, work, or attend school. Instead, they strive to solely inform the community. The notification highlights, "Convicted sexual and predatory individuals have always been released to live in our communities." Moreover, it warns against any misuse of this information, reminding the public that "Abuse of this information to threaten, harass or intimidate a registered person is unacceptable and such acts could be charged as a crime." These rules are meant to prevent undue harassment and to safeguard the effectiveness of community notifications.
Concerned citizens looking for more information or those aiming to report any suspicious activity can reach the Duluth Police Department at 218-730-5400 or call 911 for immediate threats. The MSOP Reintegration Agent overseeing Vernon's case is Bryan Abel, who can be contacted at 651-485-0901.
