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Bemidji is home to 3 registered sex offenders in April

Published 06/20/26

There was no change in the number of registered sex offenders living in Bemidji in April compared to the previous month, according to the Minnesota Public Registrant Search.

As of April, three sex offenders were living in the city.

The Registry shows none of these sex offenders are sexual predators.

In Minnesota, people convicted of sex-related crimes are required to register as predatory offenders. The registration period usually lasts 10 years from sentencing, release, or the end of supervision, but in serious cases, such as repeat offenses or first-degree criminal sexual conduct, it can extend to lifetime registration.

Minnesota spends over $100 million annually on its Sex Offense Civil Commitment (SOCC) program, designed to prevent sex offender recidivism, according to a study by the Sex Offense Litigation and Policy Resource Center.

A SafeHome.org study found that the number of registered sex offenders in the U.S. rose to more than 795,000 as of August 2024, an increase of about 8,000 from 2023.

Frequently updated information about sex offenders in Minnesota can be found online here.

Registered Sex Offenders in Bemidji as of April
OffenderCrimeCrime description
Gerald Joseph BrowneagleCriminal sexual conduct in the first degreeGerald Browneagle has a history of sexual contact with a known female child, an unknown female teenager, and an unknown female adult. Contact has included sexual touching and penetration. Force and a weapon have been used to gain compliance.
Michael Warren SmithCriminal sexual conduct in the first degree, criminal sexual conduct in the second degreeMichael Smith engaged in sexual contact against a known male child. Contact included penetration. Smith accessed the victim while being assigned to provide unmonitored care for him. He used his position of authority to maintain control.
Richard Dean DerbyUse of minors in sexual performance prohibitedRichard Derby engaged in sexual conduct against a known female child. Conduct included generating child sexual exploitation materials. Derby accessed the victim through his relationship of trust. He used coercion and manipulation to maintain control.

Information in this article was obtained from the Minnesota Public Registrant Search. The source data can be found here.

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