Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

RSONU detectives charge sex offenders for non-compliance
Please note: this is a regional press release

Two convicted sex offenders are in custody at the Washoe County Detention Facility after local law enforcement agencies, in partnership with the Regional Sex Offender Notification Unit (RSONU), made the arrests.

William Norris, 36, was arrested by the Reno Police Department for an outstanding warrant on September 25, 2021. Detectives with RSONU initiated an investigation regarding Norris’s sex offender registry. Upon completion of their separate investigation, it was discovered that Norris had been out of compliance since 2019. On September 27, 2021, RSONU detectives add-booked Norris for one felony count of being a sex offender who failed his annual verification, second offense. Norris is a Tier I sex offender previously convicted in 2004 for crimes against children.

Charles Edouard, 53, was arrested by the Reno Police Department for several felony drug charges on September 24, 2021. RSONU initiated an investigation regarding Edouard’s sex offender registration and determined that he failed to complete his annual verification which was due in June of 2021. RSONU detectives add-booked Edouard for one felony count of being a sex offender who failed his annual verification, second offense. RSONU detectives had previously arrested Edouard in September of 2020 for being a non-compliant sex offender. Edouard is a Tier III sex offender who was previously convicted of rape by force or fear.

The RSONU was formed in 1998 to be in compliance with federal law passed in 1997.  At that time Washoe County, the City of Sparks and the City of Reno all agreed there was a need for coordination in law enforcement in the tracking, monitoring, investigation, public notification, and the arrest and prosecution of non-compliant sex offenders.  The RSONU operates as a regional, multi-jurisdictional and collaborative entity to carry out the requirements of community notifications as set forth in Chapter 179D of the Nevada Revised Statutes.  The RSONU’s jurisdictional boundaries encompass all of Washoe County, including the Cities of Reno and Sparks.

Currently, there are about 1400 registered sex offenders in the Reno, Sparks and Washoe County area.  Each of the three investigators are assigned over 400 offenders to monitor.

The RSONU is open Monday through Friday, 7am to 5pm, excluding holidays, and can be reached at 775-325-6483.

Photo 1: William Norris
Photo 2: Charles Edouard

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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