May 10th, 2010
Police arrest two fugitives in sex offender check

STAFF REPORT

Merworth

San Marcos police have arrested two fugitives sought for failing to register as sex offenders after a compliance check in April.

Billy Joe Crayton, 20, and Patrick Colton Merworth, 26, were both taken into custody on Thursday during a joint operation by the San Marcos Police Department, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office’s Fugitive Unit.

Crayton was found hiding in the attic of a San Marcos residence when officers visited the home searching for him.

Merworth was located by authorities in Holt’s Summit, Mo., after San Marcos Police learned that he may be residing in that city.

Crayton

Merworth is currently in custody in Holt’s Summit and will be extradited to Hays County after answering to charges against him in Missouri. Crayton is currently in custody at the Hays County Jail. His bond is set at $140,000.

Failing to register as a sex offender is a state jail felony punishable by confinement in a state jail from 180 days to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

Currently, 50 persons are required to register as sex offenders in San Marcos, including 46 convicted of offenses committed against children. The public may check the Department of Public Safety website here to find registered sex offenders in San Marcos.