Fairbury Man Arrested Again for Failing to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Act
Jody W. Duke, 40, of Fairbury, appeared in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, via webcam in the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.
Duke is a person subject to the Nebraska Sex Offender Registration Act as a 15-year offender. He is charged with violating the Sex Offender Registry Act, a class 3A felony punishable by up to three years in prison, plus nine to 18 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine.
On April 18, 2013, Duke was convicted in Jefferson Count of third-degree sexual assault and attempted third-degree sexual assault of a child.
Duke received his “Notification of Registration Responsibilities Under Nebraska Sex Offender Registration Act” on March 10, 2014. This form details his reporting requirements as a registered sex offender under Nebraska Law.
Any person required to register under the act shall inform the sheriff of the county in which he or she resides, in person, and complete a form as prescribed by the Nebraska State Patrol for such purpose, if he or she has a new address, temporary domicile, or habitual living location, within three working days before the change. According to the Affidavit in Support of Arrest, Duke failed to do that.
Duke has a string of prior arrests and convictions in Jefferson County, including other charges of violating the Sex Offender Registry Act.
The defendant requested court appointed counsel and Public Defender Scott Gropp was assigned to represent him.
Bond was set at $10,000 (10 percent). Duke indicated to the court that he was unable to pay that amount. County Attorney Joseph Casson objected to any reduction in the bond. Duke is awaiting an opening in a treatment center for drug and alcohol treatment. Casson said he felt it would be better for Duke to remain in custody until a bed becomes available. Duke said, “I agree with that.”
Duke remains in custody as of press time.
