Five men have been arrested in northern Indiana as part of Operation Guardian, an initiative by the U.S. Marshall’s Service to round up non-compliant sex offenders.  In all, 345 people were arrested nationwide for failing to register with state authorities as required by law.  Marshals worked with state and local officials to identify specific non-registering fugitives based on their danger to the public and prior convictions for sex offenses.

Here in northern Indiana, those arrested are as follows. <br />

Michael Shoble, Porter Co. Indiana.  Shoble was wanted in Porter Co. Indiana for failure to register as a sex offender.  In 2005, he was convicted of sexual misconduct with a 15-year-old minor female.  Due to the conviction, Shoble is defined as being a sex offender and is subject to registration.

James Lawson, Elkhart Co. Indiana.  Lawson was wanted in Elkhart Co. Indiana for failure to register as a sex offender.  In 2000, he was convicted of sexual battery of a 13-year-old female.  Due to the conviction, Lawson is defined as being a sex offender and is subject to registration.

Dewayne Stewart, Huntsville, Alabama.  Stewart was wanted in Whitley Co. for failure to register as sex offender and child seduction.  In 2004, he was convicted of sexual misconduct with a 15 year-old minor and child seduction.  Due to the conviction, Stewart is defined as being a sex offender and is subject to registration.

Mark Lautzenheiser, Dekalb Co. Indiana.  Lautzenheiser was wanted in DeKalb Co. for failure to register as a sex offender and parole violation.  Lautzenheiser was convicted of rape.  He is defined as being a sex offender and is subject to registration.

Garland Henry McGhee Lake Co. Indiana.  McGhee was wanted by Ramsey Co. Minnesota for failure to register as a sex offender.  In 2007, McGhee was convicted of criminal sexual misconduct.  Due to the conviction, McGhee is defined as being a sex offender and is subject to registration.  McGhee was located in Lake Co. but Ramsey Co. Minnesota would not extradite from Indiana.  McGhee registered in Lake Co. Indiana and was in compliance.