According to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver – investigators recently made a number of arrests, as part of a special operation initiative.  “Operation Vigilant Star” was organized by Chief Investigator Josh Summerford and Investigator Michael Green in conjunction with the District Attorney’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and U. S. Marshals’ Service.

The purpose of Operation Vigilant Star was to conduct verification checks on registered sex offenders that reside in Cherokee County, to ensure their compliance with the Sex Offender Notification Act (SORNA.)

Sheriff’s Office investigators, District Attorney investigators, and Deputy U.S. Marshals – all worked together to perform 104 compliance checks on 72 state or federal offenders.

All but six of those offenders were found to be in compliance with the law. Warrants were issued for those six and thus far, four have been arrested for the SORNA violations. At least two sex offenders will likely face federal firearms related charges.

Investigators also arrested 7 individuals for drug crimes last week as part of the operation.

Sheriff Shaver commended all of the deputies and investigators involved for their efforts in the operation and expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Marshals’ Service and Marshal C.M. Keely for their support of the operation.