Butler County deputies are asking the public to keep an eye out for Michael Crawford, 35, who is wanted on a warrant for failing to register as a sex offender. The sheriff's office describes Crawford as a Black male about 6 feet tall and roughly 260 pounds, with a listed birthdate of March 3, 1991. Officials say his most recent address was in the 400 block of Ballyclare Ter in Cincinnati, and are warning residents not to approach him.
What The Sheriff Posted
According to the Butler County Sheriff's Office, Crawford was convicted in 2023 of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material and is classified as a Tier I registrant. The post includes photos, physical details, and his last known address, and lists him as wanted on a charge of Failure to Register. Deputies are asking anyone with information to call the sheriff's office instead of trying to track him down themselves. In other words, tips are welcome, citizen arrests are not.
How To Report A Sighting
The Butler County Sheriff's Office website outlines several ways to submit information, including an online tip form, a non-emergency dispatch number, and an anonymous text tip line (text "COPS" to 274637). The department also lists main contact numbers for general information and a separate line for jail inquiries. Officials emphasize that 9-1-1 is for immediate threats or emergencies, while non-emergency lines and the online form are meant for tips that are not time-critical. The full list of contact options is posted on the site.
Legal Consequences
Under Ohio law, registered offenders must regularly verify and update their information, including address changes. Failing to do that can lead to criminal charges. For the legal fine print, see Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2950, which spells out registration duties, timeframes, and penalties.
Context And Recent Enforcement
Recent local coverage shows Butler County has been actively going after people who skip registry updates. Earlier this month, WHIO reported that four registered sex offenders were arrested after failing to provide change-of-address information. That enforcement push is part of a broader effort by the sheriff's office to use social media posts and public tips to find people wanted on registration-related warrants.
Officials say that if you see Crawford, do not approach him. Call 9-1-1 if there is an immediate threat. For tips that are not emergencies, the sheriff's Facebook post lists Warrants Division Deputy Stewart at 513-785-1278 and repeats that the public should contact law enforcement rather than attempt to engage Crawford directly.
