Operation Intercept
Makes First South Carolina “Adam Walsh Act” Arrest
Jesse Merle Keffler was
taken into custody without incident by members of the Marshals’
Operation Intercept fugitive task force today. Keffler, 35, was the
first person in South Carolina to be arrested under the new Adam
Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. Deputy United States
Marshals obtained an arrest warrant for Kessler yesterday alleging
that he was required to register as a sex offender in South Carolina
and failed to do so. Kessler was booked into the J. Reuben Long
Detention Center awaiting an initial appearance in federal court
Monday. In announcing Keffler’s arrest, United States Marshal Johnny
Mack Brown said, “We take our responsibilities under the Adam Walsh
Act very seriously. For years, we have worked state and local
fugitive sex offender cases. This new law gives us the authority to
bring many of these same individuals into federal court to face
prosecution. It is our hope that in doing so, South Carolina will be
an even safer place to live.” Marshal Brown also added, “ The charge
in the complaint is merely an accusation and Keffler is presumed
innocent unless and until proven guilty.” |