10/19/2026
SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
October 19, 2026
Operation M.A.C.E. – Multi-Agency Compliance Enforcement
Countywide S*x Offender Compliance Operation
Today, October 19, 2026, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, along with several local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, conducted Operation M.A.C.E. (Multi-Agency Compliance Enforcement), a coordinated, countywide s*x offender compliance operation.
The operation involved approximately 30 law enforcement officers divided into six teams, with the goal of conducting compliance checks at the registered addresses of all 149 registered s*x offenders in Scott County.
The following agencies participated in the operation:
* Scott County Sheriff’s Office
* United States Marshals Service
* U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
* New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office
* Sikeston Department of Public Safety
* Miner Police Department
Operation M.A.C.E. was a planned, unannounced compliance initiative designed to verify that registered s*x offenders are following Missouri's s*x offender registration requirements.
During the operation, officers worked to verify that offenders were residing at their registered addresses, that all vehicles owned or operated by offenders were properly reported, and that other required registration information was accurate and up to date.
As of this afternoon, officers have already identified several potential registration violations.Probable cause statements are expected to be submitted to the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review and consideration of criminal charges where warranted.
The goal is to complete compliance checks involving all 149 registered s*x offenders in Scott County today, with additional follow-up investigations and compliance checks continuing tomorrow as necessary.
S*x offender registration laws exist for a reason, and our responsibility is to make sure those laws are being followed. This was a planned surprise operation because we wanted to verify firsthand that offenders are living where they claim to be living and that the information they are required by law to report is accurate.
We are not simply relying on paperwork or taking someone's word for it. We are putting officers on the ground, checking addresses, verifying information, and investigating potential violations.
We want registered s*x offenders in Scott County to understand that compliance with the law is not optional. Our office will continue conducting these operations, both announced and unannounced, to ensure accountability and protect our communities.
I also want to personally thank the United States Marshals Service, ICE, New Madrid County Sheriff's Office, Sikeston DPS, and Miner PD, for their assistance and willingness to dedicate personnel and resources to this operation. Having approximately 30 officers from multiple agencies working together demonstrates the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
Our message is simple: We will continue working together, holding offenders accountable, and doing everything within our authority to keep Scott County a safer place for our families and children.
The Scott County Sheriff's Office will provide additional information as the operation concludes and any resulting criminal investigations progress.
Sheriff Derick Wheetley