Officers Surprise Sex Offenders During Operation Trick Or Treat

Mecklenburg County sheriff's deputies and several local police officers made surprise visits to registered sex offenders on Halloween night. The spot checks were all a part of the "Keeping the Scary out of Halloween" campaign sponsored by the sheriff's department.

Deputies went door to door, performing spot checks on more than 400 registered sex offenders. Officers made sure their registration information was correct and that no one convicted of crimes against children was handing out candy or doing anything to lure children to their home.

Deputy Roberto Marquez made the rounds in south Charlotte and said, "If anything, it makes us aware of where they are and the public is always appreciative of that."

Parent John Mrzygod praised the deputies efforts and said being aware of potential predators is a top priority for his family year-round.

Mrzygod said, "My wife checks the (NC sex offender) website frequently just to see if there are sex offenders in the neighborhood and see where those houses are at and inform our neighbors who have children as well."

There are 742 registered sex offenders in Mecklenburg County. This is the fourth year of the Halloween registered sex offender spot checks.