Austin police are asking for the public’s help finding a 74-year-old man they say has an active warrant for failing to register as a sex offender, and they are making it clear this is a look-don’t-touch situation for anyone who spots him.
The Austin Police Department identified the man as James Lee Williams in its regular "Wanted Wednesday" bulletin and urged residents to call in tips rather than confront anyone they believe might be the suspect.
In today's #WantedWednesday, we request the public's help in locating James Lee Williams. He has an outstanding warrant for: Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Anyone with information may submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers ATX
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) July 8, 2026
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APD solicita ayuda para… pic.twitter.com/jgwGOBHZt6
What Police Shared
The Capital Area Crime Stoppers active-cases page lists James Lee Williams as 74 years old, about 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, with warrant number D1DC26301674 for "Failure to Register as a Sex Offender," according to Capital Area Crime Stoppers. The Austin Police Department also pushed out the same Wanted Wednesday bulletin on X and asked anyone with information to submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers or by phone, the department said on X.
What The Charge Means
Failure to register as a sex offender is criminalized under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Article 62.102 makes it an offense for someone who is required to register to knowingly fail to comply with registration duties, and penalties can be enhanced depending on the person’s classification and prior history, according to the state code. In Austin, the police department’s Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration (SOAR) Unit is responsible for these investigations and compliance checks, per the City of Austin.
Why The Weekly Alerts Matter
APD’s regular "Wanted Wednesday" posts are designed to crowdsource tips and get suspects’ photos and warrant numbers in front of neighbors, businesses and commuters. Local coverage shows this tactic often lines up with Capital Area Crime Stoppers rewards. Hoodline has tracked similar APD wanted bulletins and how those posts channel leads toward anonymous tip lines and partner agencies.
How To Help
Anyone with information is asked to contact Capital Area Crime Stoppers online or by calling 512-472-TIPS (8477). The organization says tips that lead to arrests may qualify for a cash reward. Do not attempt to approach or detain Williams - call 9-1-1 if you see an immediate safety concern. A warrant is an allegation and does not by itself constitute a conviction.
