The Marion County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to help track down Kenneth R. Bailey, a 50-year-old Black man who is the subject of a warrant on an allegation that he failed to register as a sex or violent offender. Officials say Bailey, born March 31, 1976, was convicted in Lake County of sexual misconduct with a minor and is now listed as non-compliant with Indiana's registration rules. Local authorities describe him as about 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, a wanted poster posted to Facebook on Monday lays out Bailey's prior conviction, the Lake County cause number and the Marion County warrant number. The online notice includes a photo of Bailey along with details on how he can turn himself in or how the public can submit tips.
How to report Bailey's whereabouts
Anyone with information on Bailey's location can contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana, which accepts anonymous tips by phone at 317-262-TIPS (8477), through its P3Tips app or online, according to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana. Under the program's rules, tips that lead to a felony arrest may qualify for a cash reward. State law spells out the registration requirement and the penalties for knowingly failing to comply in Indiana Code § 11-8-8-17.
What the sheriff's post details
The Facebook post lists a Marion County cause number of 49D21-2509-028538 and notes a 2016 Lake County conviction for sexual misconduct with a minor under cause number 45G01-1507-F5-00059, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office. It restates Bailey's date of birth as March 31, 1976, and repeats the physical description. The sheriff's office says Bailey can surrender by calling the Safe Surrender line at 317-327-SAFE (7233).
Why the office is publicizing non-compliance
The sheriff's office has been spotlighting one non-compliant registrant each week in a "Monday Morning Roundup" feature, a strategy that drew attention earlier this month when officials publicized another wanted registrant. National coverage has noted that law enforcement agencies are increasingly turning to social media to locate missing registrants, including Marion County's use of Twitter and Facebook, as reported by Police1. Officials say the goal is to generate tips and encourage compliance checks rather than to publicly shame individuals.
Legal consequences
Indiana law classifies the knowing failure to register as required as a Level 6 felony, with the possibility of more serious charges for repeat violations, according to Indiana Code § 11-8-8-17. Prosecutors are permitted to pursue criminal charges if a registrant stops reporting mandatory updates such as a new address, employment changes or vehicle information.
The sheriff's office is asking anyone who recognizes Bailey or has information about where he might be to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously or reach out to local law enforcement. The Facebook post reiterates those options and highlights the Safe Surrender line for Bailey to turn himself in. Marion County officials have not indicated any charges beyond the registration allegation at this time, and this story will be updated if new information is released.
