BOSTON - A former Lowell man was charged today in federal court for failing to register as a sex offender.
Matthew Koch, 35, of New Creek, W.Va., was charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). It is alleged that between December 2011 and May 2012, Koch traveled in interstate commerce and failed to register as a sex offender and update his registration.
According to court documents, in 2000 and in 2003, Koch, was convicted of sexual assault in Oregon. Upon his release from state custody, Koch moved to Massachusetts, where he was designated a Level 3 sex offender. It is alleged that Koch moved to West Virginia, but failed to update his address on file in Massachusetts. He also allegedly failed to register as a sex offender in West Virginia.
If convicted, Koch faces up to 10 years in federal prison to be followed by up to lifetime supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He was arrested in Moorefield, W.Va. and remains in custody on the federal charge.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and United States Marshal John Gibbons of the District of Massachusetts made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer A. Serafyn and Michael I. Yoon of Ortiz’s Civil Division and Major Crimes Unit, respectively.
The details contained in the information are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
