DA: Convicted sex offender guilty of failing to register

A Jefferson County jury found a man, who was convicted in 2008 of indecency with a child, guilty Thursday of two counts of failure to register as a sex offender.

Richard Hernandez, 53, was sentenced to eight years in prison. The conviction required him to register with the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program until 2023, which required Hernandez to give notice of his intent to change address and anticipated move date at least seven days in advance, the District Attorney's Office reported.

The program also required him to show proof of residency to a registration officers within seven days of changing addresses.

Witnesses testified before 252nd Criminal District Court Judge John Stevens that Hernandez provided officers with an incorrect place of residency and fled, District Attorney's Office reported.

The jury delivered a verdict within half an hour.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for next month.