Convicted rapist in Murfreesboro allegedly tampered with his tracking device

Jun 17, 2014 at 07:51 pm by bryan


A 33-year old sex offender who failed to properly check in as required by law has been rearrested. John Paul Rowe, who is classified as a “violent” offender, last registered in March and then absconded. However, he was tracked down and captured on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. Rowe evidently tampered with his electronic tracking device after he failed to register.

Rowe, who last lived on Hemlock Drive in Murfreesboro, was convicted of rape in 2001. Hemlock Drive is on the backside of Barfield Park in the area of 231 South.

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On Tuesday, he was charged with not only failing to register as a sex offender, but also tampering with his tracking device. It is a felony offense in Tennessee to tamper with a tracking device that has been placed on an individual as the result of a conviction. Rowe is currently being held without bond.

Under state law, sex offenders are classified as either a violent sexual offender or a sexual offender depending on what they are convicted of. Certain offenses fall under violent sexual offender and others under sexual offender.  Typically, a violent sexual offender has been convicted of a more serious or aggravating offense. They are required to register for life. A sexual offender has been convicted of an offense less aggravating and can apply to be taken off the registry after 15 years. 

Source:

TN Sex Offender Registry
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office

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