Catawba County Authorities Arrest Registered Sex-Offender

38-year-old James Dewey Weiss, whose address was not listed, was arrested Tuesday by authorities in Catawba County. He’s charged with felony counts of failure to register as a sex offender and habitual felon.

Weiss is required to register as a sex offender as a result of a conviction in Lincoln County in June, 2006 for indecent liberties with a minor. According to the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry, Weiss was convicted in connection to a crime committed in January, 2005. He was 18-years-old at the time of the offense and the victim was 12-years-old. Weiss received 36 months of probation and no prison time. According to the registry, Weiss registered out of state for a minimum period of ten years.

The North Carolina Department Of Adult Correction Offender Public Information website shows multiple felony convictions for James Dewey Weiss dating back to 2006, all in Lincoln County. In addition to the indecent liberties charge, Weiss was convicted of felony counts including failure to register as a sex offender, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of schedule I controlled substance. The most recent conviction was in June, 2018.

Following Tuesday’s arrest, Weiss was jailed in the Catawba County Detention Facility under $40,000 bond. A Superior Court appearance is scheduled for May 20 in Newton.

Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY