Yuma Sheriff Issues Level 3 Notification for James Long, New Address

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level-3 community notification saying 42-year-old James Long has advised deputies he is residing at 13443 E. 52nd Street, Yuma, AZ 85367, and described him as 5 feet 11 inches tall, 265 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The release states Long “is not wanted by the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at this time,” and lists the notification as released by Tania Pavlak, Public Affairs Specialist.

The sheriff’s release records Long’s plea and sentence: “On June 16, 2005, Long pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor at the Yuma County Superior Court in Yuma, Arizona. He was sentenced to serve 36 months of supervised probation.” The notice adds that the victim was “a female juvenile known to him.” The release also records, in truncated form, that “On December 01, 2005, Long was found in violation of the conditions of his [...]” without supplying the remainder of that sentence.

The office cited state law as the basis for public notification. In its explanatory material the Arizona Department of Public Safety states, “In accordance with Arizona Revised Statute ARS §13‑3825, once the appropriate community notification level is established, the local law enforcement agency is required to complete a community notification. Law enforcement has complete discretion regarding community notification for Level 1 offenders; however, state law requires mandatory community notification on all offenders assessed as a Level 2 or Level 3, and those offenders who meet the requirements outlined in ARS §13‑3827.” AZDPS material further explains the risk tool behind level designations: “The risk assessment is a screening tool designed to provide criminal justice practitioners with the ability to predict a sex offender's risk of recidivism,” noting Arizona’s instrument evaluates nineteen criteria to recommend a level.

The Yuma release invites the public to use agency tools and to report tips: “for free email alerts or search for sex offenders in your area, please visit the YCSO OffenderWatch page,” and “If you have information regarding current criminal activity on this or any other offender, please call the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 783-4427.” The Arizona Department of Public Safety listing for the Sheriff’s Office shows a different phone number, “Phone: (928) 329-2254,” and lists the registration location address as 141 South 3rd Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364, a discrepancy the release materials do not resolve.

AZDPS guidance cited by the sheriff’s office specifies what mandatory notifications typically include: “This includes notification to the ‘surrounding neighborhood, area schools, appropriate community groups, and prospective employers. The notification shall include a flyer with a photograph and exact address of the offender as well as a summary of the offender's status and criminal background. A press release and [...]’” The YCSO release states it is distributing the Level-3 notification pursuant to A.R.S. 13‑3825 and identifies the listed address and Long’s registration details as part of that notification.

Readers seeking to verify registration details, view the offender flyer, or report criminal activity can contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office by phone as listed in the release, and may consult the county’s OffenderWatch service for email alerts and the published registry information described by AZDPS. Information Released By: Tania Pavlak, Public Affairs Specialist.