‘Most wanted’ sex offender arrested

Published 1:00 am Saturday, October 3, 2009

LANSING – Michigan State Police announced Friday that Calvin Turpin, 38, formerly of Cassopolis, was arrested in Elkhart, Ind., on Sept. 26.

Turpin was featured as an absconder on the state’s Most Wanted Sex Offenders Web site at www.michigan.gov/absconders.

Turpin was extradited back to Michigan and is currently lodged in the Cass County Jail, where he faces multiple charges, including a probation violation and failing to change his address with the Michigan Sex Offender Registry.

Turpin was convicted of attempted criminal sexual conduct third-degree (person 13-15) in 1992.

He was selected as one of Michigan’s most wanted sex offenders after he failed to change his address and verify his residence during a required verification period.

Michigan’s Sex Offenders Registration Act requires offenders convicted of felony-listed offense 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 Web site 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.

Turpin becomes the 10th “Most Wanted” sex offender registry absconder to be located this year.

The public can provide information about any offender by contacting the MSP toll-free at 1-866-761-7678. Or, contact the nearest law enforcement agency.