Michigan sex offender arrested in Illinois

The Michigan State Police is announcing the arrest of Wallace Heffernan, 66, for an outstanding warrant for failure to comply with the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. The arrest occurred on May 7, in Lake Villa, Ill, by the United States Marshals Service and officers from the Northern Illinois Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Taskforce.  Heffernan was featured on the Michigan’s Most Wanted Sex Offenders website at www.michigan.gov/absconders.

After the Michigan Sex Offender Registry Unit received an anonymous tip through the public website regarding a possible location, the United States Marshals Service arrested Heffernan in Lake Villa, Ill.

Heffernan was convicted of one count of Accosting Children for Immoral Purposes in 2002. He was selected as one of the Michigan’s most wanted sex offenders after he failed to change his address.

Michigan’s Sex Offenders Registration Act requires offenders convicted of felony-listed offenses to verify their address at a local law enforcement agency quarterly during the first 15 days of January, April, July and October.  Offenders are also required to report a change of address when they move or vacate a residence.  Failure to do so can result in a felony conviction with a punishment ranging from four to 10 years.

The MSP website began featuring the names and photographs of 10 of the state’s most wanted sex offenders in August 2006.  As wanted individuals are located, new offenders are featured.  The public can provide information about any sex offender absconders by contacting the MSP toll free at 1-866-761-7678, or by contacting the nearest law enforcement agency.