Bismarck Police Department release statement

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A release from the Bismarck Police Department, Scott LaHay, chief reads:

The Bismarck Police Department investigated a non-compliant sex offender in December 2024 and January 2025. Officer L. Harris #604, assisted by other Bismarck Officers, confirmed that Richard W. Blackwell, a native of Bismarck, was noncompliant with his sex offender registry requirements.

Blackwell was arrested at a local business on Sunday, February 2^nd, transported to the St. Francois County Jail, and placed on a 24-hour hold pending a warrant application. A report was forwarded to the St. Francois County Prosecutor’s Office for review. The Officer signed a Probable Cause statement, and the St. Francois County Courts issued a warrant for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender. The bond was at $20,000 Cash or Surety, with special conditions.

“I want to thank the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office Department Director, who handles the Sex Offender Registry information. I would also like to thank the St. Francois County Prosecutor’s Office and Courts for the prompt review and issuance of the warrant,” said LaHay in the release.