By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Report
An Atmore man, obviously misinformed about his status as a registered sex offender, told a judge he intentionally violated the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) in a move he thought would eventually erase the stigma of his conviction.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office reports show that Antonio Hartley, 28, formerly of a Robinsonville address, was arrested by deputies January 25 and charged with two SORNA violations. Hartley was convicted in June 2013 of second-degree (statutory) rape for having consensual sex with a girl younger than 16 but older than 12.
According to arrest records, he was charged with one count each of failing to register with ECSO when he was released from jail and failure to notify authorities when he moved from his Dailey Street residence in the Robinsonville community.
Court documents show that Hartley told Circuit Judge Todd Stearns he intentionally violated the registration and notification act so he would be sent to prison. Hartley said he wanted to remain behind bars until he no longer has to register as a sex offender.
Convicted sex offenders are required for the rest of their lives to register with local authorities in the city or county in which they live and to report any changes in residence or employment.
Bond was set at $250,000 for Hartley, who must wear an ankle monitor if he is released from jail. Escambia County Detention Center records show that he remained in jail late Monday, February 1.