Registered Sex Offender Arrested for Violating Alabama Law at Saint Elmo Church

Mobile County, AL – A registered sex offender, John Penrod, is in custody after allegedly violating the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act. The arrest follows an investigation launched by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) on January 16, 2025, based on a report from a concerned member of the Saint Elmo Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The report alleged that Penrod, a registered sex offender, was volunteering at the church and serving on the Greeting Committee alongside two juveniles, both under the age of 13. MCSO detectives assigned to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) Unit swiftly initiated an investigation, confirming Penrod’s prior conviction in Michigan for Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree involving a victim under 13 years of age.

The investigation revealed that Penrod failed to notify law enforcement of his volunteer activities at a location where minors were present, a direct violation of the conditions stipulated under Alabama law for registered sex offenders.

Penrod was apprehended without incident by the Mobile Police Department and has been charged with two counts of violating the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act. He is currently being held pending further legal proceedings.

“The safety and well-being of our community, especially our children, is our top priority,” stated a spokesperson for the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. “We take all reports of potential violations by registered sex offenders extremely seriously and will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who fail to comply with the law.”

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities currently seeking to determine whether Penrod disclosed his offender status to church leadership.

The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office SORNA Unit is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the compliance of over 800 registered sex offenders within the county. They emphasize the crucial role the public plays in identifying potential violations and maintaining community safety.

The MCSO urges anyone with additional information relevant to this case or any other potential violation to contact them directly at 251-574-8633.