Ocean County Man Arrested For Not Registering As A Sex Offender

Edwin Tanner (Photo courtesy Ocean County Jail)

  WHITING – A local man was arrested and charged for not registering as a Megan’s Law offender, officials said.

  Edwin Tanner, 51, of Whiting, was charged with two counts of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

  “Since 1994, Megan’s Law requires certain sex offenders to register with their local police departments whenever they move and/or change their residential address or place of employment. Failure to comply with this obligation is a third degree crime,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

  According to officials, Tanner moved from his address in Whiting to Robbinsville without registering or notifying any law enforcement agencies.

  In addition, Tanner was arrested on August 11 for simple assault and subsequently lodged in the Atlantic County Jail. Upon his release on October 3, Tanner failed to register with law enforcement in accordance with his legal obligation.

  On October 16, Tanner was taken into custody without incident. Tanner was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

  Anyone with relevant information regarding this case – or other individuals violating Megan’s Law requirements – should contact Detective Alex Dasti of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027 ext. 3458. The information may be provided anonymously. For further information, visit the State Police Sex Offender Internet Registry at: njsp.org/sex-offender-registry/index.shtml.

  Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledged the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Megan’s Law Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and Robbinsville Township Police Department, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.

  The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.