Richard Allen Hardesty of Vian, 25, was charged Tuesday with failure to register as a sex offender and possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction, according to court records.
Sequoyah County Sheriff's Deputy Rick Carter wrote in his report that he received a report from Deputy Pamela Crutchfield in reference to Hardesty. Crutchfield reported to Carter that Hardesty was wanted out of Illinois and had been reportedly temporarily residing at a home north of Vian.
Crutchfield said Hardesty had not registered with the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office or with the town of Vian as a sex offender.
Upon making contact with Hardesty, Carter confirmed Hardesty's identity and that he had been convicted of sexual abuse on Jan. 7, 2002, in Illinois.
Upon speaking with the owner of the home where Hardesty was staying, Carter inquired as to whether or not Hardesty had any weapons in the home, to which the owner stated yes.
The owner then produced a rife that she said belonged to Hardesty. Carter reported that the firearm was seized and taken into evidence.
Carter wrote that he had determined Hardesty had been living at the Vian home since November, but had not registered as a sex offender.
Hardesty was placed under arrest and was booked into the Sequoyah County Jail in Sallisaw.
