The Madison County Probation Department is seeking public help in locating a Level 3 sex offender who disappeared nearly one year ago. Lawrence J. Austin, 27, was last seen in Oneida, near the Five Corners area, in July. He is described as a 5-foot-4 white male weighing about 120 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He may be...
Lawrence J. Austin, 27, was last seen in Oneida, near the Five Corners area, in July.
The Madison County Probation Department is seeking public help in locating a Level 3 sex offender who disappeared nearly one year ago.
Lawrence J. Austin, 27, was last seen in Oneida, near the Five Corners area, in July. He is described as a 5-foot-4 white male weighing about 120 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He may be wearing glasses.
Austin was convicted in December 2008 in Madison County Court of first degree sex abuse. He was sentenced to six months in county jail and is on probation for 10 years.
As a Level 3 sex offender, the highest of three levels, Austin is required to be registered for life with New York's Sex Offender's Registry. Austin was initially arrested for having sexual contact with a 6-year-old girl.
Sheriff's investigators and probation officers have been unable to locate Austin, who previously lived in Utica.
Probation Director Karen Birch said Austin likely left the state but has ties to the area.
“The protection of the community is our utmost concern and we are especially vigilant in doing our part to hold offenders accountable by returning them to the court requesting the judge incarcerate them,” said Birch, whose department oversees 35 adult and juvenile sex offenders sentenced to probation.
Birch asked anyone with information about Austin or his whereabouts to call 366-2351.