Tier 3 sex offender released in Libby

Bobby Eugene Cox, a 52-year-old level three sex offender, has been released from prison and has taken residence in the Libby area.

Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe issued a press release Thursday, Dec. 10, reporting Cox’s release and his registration with the Sheriff’s Office. His registered address is 202 White Avenue in Libby.

Cox was sentenced to a term of 20 years in the Montana State Prison, with 10 of those years suspended, after pleading guilty to one felony count of incest. The sentencing order indicates the crime took place between May 25, 2005 and Dec. 6, 2005, in Lincoln County.

At the time of sentencing, he was designated as a level three sex offender. According to the press release, level three offenders are considered sexually violent predators.

“The Department of Corrections or the sentencing court designates a tier level that assesses the risk each offender poses for committing similar offenses in the future,” Bowe wrote in the press release. “A Level Three designation is described as follows: The risk of a repeat sexual offense is high, there is a threat to public safety and an evaluator believes the offender is a sexually violent predator.”

Montana law defines sexually violent predator. “Sexually violent predators are defined as offenders who have been convicted of a sexual offense and who suffer from a condition that makes them likely to engage in predatory sexual offenses, or offenders 18 years of age or older who have committed an offense against a victim 12 years of age or younger.”

Adult Probation and Parole Officer Steve Watson will be responsible for Cox’s supervision while he is free. He said he will be monitoring Cox very closely.

“He’s not going to have any direct contact with kids,” Watson said. “We allow him to go to stores, but he’s not allowed to have any direct contact with anyone under the age of 18. He will be in therapy and will be under G.P.S. surveillance 24/7.”