Former Charleston man pleads guilty to failing to register as a sex offender

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A former Charleston resident faces up to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty today to failing to register as a sex offender, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. James Roy Arthur, 45, entered his guilty plea before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

Arthur was convicted in 1996 in Kanawha County Circuit Court of Second Degree Sexual Assault. As a result of this conviction, Arthur was required to register as a sex offender. Around January 1, 2016, Arthur moved to Fort Gay in Wayne County, and did not register as a sex offender, despite knowing it was required by law. Arthur continued to reside in Wayne County until his arrest on January 31, 2016. Arthur’s sentencing is scheduled for August 29, 2016.

The United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is being brought as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.

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