Sex offender non-compliance costs Oklahoma federal funds

Oklahoma missed out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funds this year and will do so again next year because it doesn't meet the federal requirements in the so-called Adam Walsh Act for registering sex offenders.

The only non-compliance, says Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Judith Pounds, is in the area of juvenile sex offenders.

"We can't comply because all the records in reference to juveniles are sealed," Pounds said.

She says they're sealed in accordance with state law.

"So without us changing the laws within the state, which y'know is up to our legislature, then of course we're going to be out of compliance," she said.

She said she's not aware of any effort at the state legislature to change the law or the system.

Oklahoma lost roughly $200,000 in federal funds this year as a result of the non-compliance.