Sex Offender Arrested Near Local School

Oneida, TN (2011-09-22) A registered sex offender has been arrested for violating a state law that prohibits persons convicted of sex crimes from living near a public school.

Lester Phillips, 51, of Oneida was arrested last weekend for living too close to Oneida Middle / High School. According to an arrest warrant by Oneida Police Officer Gerry “Greasey” Garrett, Phillips had been living in an apartment complex at 18880 Alberta Street (near East Davis Lane) in Oneida. The residence, stated the warrant, was within 350 feet of the school. State law prohibits convicted sex offenders from living within 1000 feet of a public school.

On September 12, 2011, Phillips reportedly updated his sex offender information, alert authorities to his presence within the school zone.

Phillips was convicted of statutory rape on June 14, 2002. He was charged with violating sexual offender residential restrictions.