MT- Federal judges disagree on sex offender registry

9-10-2008 Montana:

Two district judges in Montana have reached opposite conclusions about the constitutionality of a federal law that requires sex offenders to register with local authorities when they move to another state.

District Judge Richard Cebull in Billings ruled Friday that the Adam Walsh Act and the included Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) are constitutional. But District Judge Donald Molloy in Missoula ruled in June that the act didn't pass constitutional muster.

The contradictory rulings mean the U.S. 9th Circuit Court will have to resolve the matter.

Montana U.S. Attorney Bill Mercer says his office will continue to prosecute sex offenders who fail to register in the Montana divisions where the act has been ruled constitutional. That includes Billings and Great Falls. No new cases will be brought in Molloy's division in western Montana. ..News Source.. by KX Net.com