Level 3 sex offender moves into Violet Hill

Palmer Ward

The Izard County Sheriff's Department is releasing this information pursuant to Act 989 of 1997 and amendments of 2006 regarding sex offenders.

Palmer Lee Ward, recently released from prison, is residing at HC 82 Box 15 (Shadow Gate Road) in Violet Hill.

Ward was convicted Dec. 12, 1999, for sexual abuse in the first degree involving an 11-year-old girl. The offense involved Ward fondling the child on numerous occasions to include digital penetration and engaging in intercourse at least once. Sheriff Tate Lawrence said that Ward has violent criminal offense involving the use of a deadly weapon.

Ward is classified as a Level 3 Offender which states that these individuals usually have histories of repeat sexual offending and/or strong antisocial, violent or predatory personality characteristics. Sexual compulsions are likely to be present, but may be kept under control when relapse prevention plans are followed and treatment is continued.

The offense patterns of Level 3 Offenders reflect a relatively high probability of re-offense and/or risk of substantial injury to victims should re-offense occur.

Ward is described as a 41-year-old white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, 165 pounds, having brown eyes and brown hair.

Sheriff Lawrence said that a sex offender notification has been hand delivered to residences within a half mile radius of Ward's residence.

This notification is not intended to increase fear, rather it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public. The Izard County Sheriff's Department has no legal authority to direct where a sex offender lives. Unless court-ordered restrictions exist, the offender is constitutionally free to live where he chooses.

This information cannot be used to threaten, intimidate, or harass registered sex offenders; otherwise law enforcement's ability to do community notifications could potentially end.