A man accused of escaping from community custody allegedly used a fake Onalaska address when registering as a sex offender, according to Lewis County prosecutors.
Jeremy J. Kelley, 40, was arrested July 9 and booked into the Lewis County Jail. He’s charged with one count each of escape from community custody and failure to register as a sex offender. Both are considered Class C felonies punishable by up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Kelley made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on July 10. A judge set bail at $50,000 cash or bond.
According to jail records, Kelley is currently serving time on a Department of Corrections (DOC) hold.
In their probable cause affidavit, prosecutors said Kelley was released from prison on May 5 after serving time for failing to register as a sex offender. Court records indicate Kelley was sentenced in November 2023 to 43 months in prison and 36 months of community custody.
He’s thrice been convicted of the offense, according to the affidavit.
As part of his community custody, Kelley was required to report to his community corrections officer (CCO) on June 30. Kelley allegedly failed to report, and a warrant was issued.
During their investigation, the DOC learned that the Onalaska address Kelley allegedly registered at didn’t exist. Law enforcement later learned he was living in Toutle.
Kelley’s requirement to register as a sex offender stems from a juvenile conviction.
He is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on Thursday.
