Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office Conducts Surprise Checks on Sex Offenders During Hoaxes

CHEATHAM, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office said they have been working for hours to keep sex offenders away from children playing trick-or-treat.

Celebrating Halloween night is as simple as putting on a costume, knocking on the door and saying three little words, trick or treating.

On Thursday evening, as thousands of children walked through neighborhoods across the county, CCSO deputies decided to do more than just patrol. More than 10 deputies went door-to-door throughout the county conducting surprise checks on registered sex offenders.

Lt. Brandt Holt of the CCSO Crime Squad said he led the march of surprise inspections.

“We have conducted sex offender compliance checks in all unincorporated areas of the county,” Holt said.

Holt said a team of officers went door to door and spoke with more than 10 people on the county’s list of registered sex offenders.

Holt said they are looking for several different violations.

“We make sure there’s nothing that could entice a child to come up to the porch: Halloween decorations, people dressed in costumes, people handing out candy,” Holt said.

Officers described their plan as two-part. After checking whether child sex offenders were luring children into their homes, officers patrolled areas to keep an eye out for stunt-goers.

“Safety and security are the most important things. Children should be able to safely go outside and enjoy the Halloween season,” Holt said.

While this is the first time CCSO has conducted a Halloween inspection, Holt said it won’t be the last time.