MOSES LAKE — A convicted Level 3 sex offender recently moved to a new residence in Moses Lake.

Brandon Pries, 33, of Moses Lake, registered at a new address in the 1000 block of South Pioneer Way. Pries is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 179 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes, and a tattoo on his right leg.

Pries has the following previous sex crime related convictions: indecent liberties in August 1997, first-degree child molestation in October 1997, second-degree incest in October 1997 and eight convictions for failing to register as a sex offender.

Pries is one of 34 sex offenders living in Moses Lake and one of eight Level 3 sex offenders currently registered as living in the city.

Washington law allows police agencies to notify the public of a sex offender’s release when the information enhances public safety and protection. The Community Protection Act of 1990 states that people who are convicted of a sex offense or kidnapping are required to register where they live. Communities are given notice when Level 2 or 3 sex offenders register at a new address. Level 1 offenders must verify their address once every 12 months. Level 2 offenders are required to verify their address once every six months and Level 3 offenders must verify their address once every three months.

The sheriff’s office states it is against the law to harass, intimidate or threaten, harass or intimidate sex offenders.

“Abuse of information provided through the sex offender notification process, in order to intimidate, harass or threaten registered offenders, will result in an investigation and the filing of criminal charges against the perpetrators. Such abuse could potentially end law enforcement’s ability to conduct community notifications,” stated the sheriff’s office. “The only person who ‘wins,’ if community notification is halted, is the registered sex offender, as sexual offenders derive their power through secrecy.”

For more information on sex offenders living in your area visit www.communitynotification.com/cap_main.php?office=54469.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.