Olsen said assuring the information is correct is not the only obstacle mapsexoffenders.com faces, as the state has raised a concern of its own. The statue that requires UDC to maintain the sex offender registry contains a provision that prohibits other entities from republishing the information.

Olsen said the state is working with Orbizon to get the Web site back online and present the information in an appropriate manner.

"We are going to work with the state to provide accurate information in a way that the state finds acceptable and the public finds useful," he said.

In Utah, the UDC maintains the registry and makes the information public through its Web site — www.cr.ex.state.ut.us/community/sexoffenders/. Anyone convicted of a sexual crime is required to keep their name and address on the registry for at least 10 years. Those who are convicted of sexual crimes against children or aggravated sexual assault are required to remain on the registry for life.

Convicted sex offenders are required to register with the UDC within 10 days of their release from prison or within 10 days of any change of address. Failure to comply is a Class A misdemeanor that carries a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and one year of probation.

Orbizon had planned to launch similar sites for each state but is taking a more cautious approach after the Utah experience. Olsen said some states have said Orbizon can go ahead and publish the information they have. Some of the states have also assured the company that the information on their states' Web sites is accurate.

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E-mail: jtwitchell@desnews.com