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Saturday, September 13, 2025

Benton County is home to 1 registered sex offender in August

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There was no change in the number of registered sex offenders living in Benton County in August compared to the previous month, according to the Minnesota Public Registrant Search.

As of August, one sex offender was living in the county.

The Registry shows this sex offender is not a sexual predator.

In Minnesota, people convicted of sex-related crimes are required to register as predatory offenders. The registration period usually lasts 10 years from sentencing, release, or the end of supervision, but in serious cases, such as repeat offenses or first-degree criminal sexual conduct, it can extend to lifetime registration.

Minnesota spends over $100 million annually on its Sex Offense Civil Commitment (SOCC) program, designed to prevent sex offender recidivism, according to a study by the Sex Offense Litigation and Policy Resource Center.

A SafeHome.org study found that the number of registered sex offenders in the U.S. rose to more than 795,000 as of August 2024, an increase of about 8,000 from 2023.

Frequently updated information about sex offenders in Minnesota can be found online here.

Registered Sex Offenders in Benton County as of August
OffenderCrimeCrime description
Harold Eugene BealsCriminal sexual conduct in the first degreeHarold Beals engaged in sexual contact with a known female toddler and child on multiple occasions. Contact included sexual touching and penetration. Beals bound them on at least one occasion to gain compliance.

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