Absconding Sex Offender Hiding in Plain Sight

On the evening of February 11, 2025, Stephen Dale Jackson, 57, from Douglas, was recognized by a McIntosh County transporter as a wanted sex offender who had not registered in the county. Jackson had been convicted of sexual battery in December 2019 in McIntosh County and was working unnoticed for a road construction company when he was identified by a McIntosh County transport deputy while transporting an inmate to the Coffee County Sheriff’s office. CCSO Deputies were sent to the location where Jackson was employed and subsequently detained him. During a Mirandized interview, Jackson confessed to living in Douglas with his girlfriend for a number of years.

In Georgia, registered sex offenders are prohibited from residing within 1,000 feet of any childcare facility, school, church, public swimming pool, park, playground, recreation center, neighborhood center, gymnasium, skating rink, or school bus stop. According to O.C.G.A. 42-1-15, Jackson faces charges for violating this proximity law; depending on the specifics of his conviction, he could be sentenced to anywhere from one (1) to thirty (30) years in prison.

In addition to the violation regarding proximity, Jackson is also charged with failure to register. According to O.C.G.A. 42-1-12, sex offenders are required to register with the sheriff of their new county 72 hours prior to relocating. When combined with the previously mentioned proximity violation, Jackson may face an additional prison sentence ranging from one (1) to thirty (30) years. 

Thanks to McIntosh County Deputies for seeing something, saying something and helping us do something. In our efforts to protect the citizens of this county; we believe in working together with all agencies to apprehend those who are a threat to the safeguarding of our community. - Sheriff Fred T. Cole