Police have arrested a man for failure to register as a sex offender, a felony charge that could carry up to 10 years in prison, according to Sgt. Justin Lovvorn.

Lovvorn said police originally arrested Thomas Phillip Blair, 26, of 269 Mobile Highway, on suspicion of stealing several items from Fred's Department Store in late August.

&#8220During an interview it was determined that he (Blair) had been living in Greenville three weeks prior to his arrest and had failed to register as a sex offender in Butler County,” said Lovvorn. &#8220When we asked him why, he said he ‘hadn't had time.'”

Alabama law requires sex offenders to register every six months. Lovvron said Blair's last known address was in Montgomery County, but when he contacted the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office he said was told that Blair had not registered their since 2004.

The law also requires that convicted sex offenders notify their county of current residence of intent to move 30 days prior to an actual move. The sex offender must also register their new residence with the county sheriff within seven days of changing addresses.

Lovvorn said Montgomery County has the option of also pursuing charges against Blair.

Blair served an unspecified prison term for sexual abuse 2nd degree of a juvenile, according to Lovvorn.

&#8220Sex offenders should realize that it is a felony to fail to register and they could go back to prison for it,” said Lovvorn.

Currently at least 23 sex offenders reside in Butler County, according to the Alabama Department of Public Safety's website.