Dunlap man arrested after violating sex offender registry restrictions

DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Dunlap man was arrested after violating the restrictions of his sex offender registry.

On September 13, 2025, a festival was being held at Harris Park.

During the festival, a citizen made officers with the Dunlap Police Department (DPD) aware of the presence of a known registered sex offender, Joseph Jeremiah Walley.

Officers were able to locate Walley at the park.

He confirmed to officers that he was a registered sex offender.

The DPD said officers informed him that, per the conditions of his registry, he is prohibited from being at public parks.

Walley told authorities that he was unaware of the restriction.

He was then placed under arrested and taken to the Sequatchie County Justice Center.

Walley is currently being held without bond.