Registered sex offender caught in Hugh MacRae Park

New Hanover County’s new ordinance making it illegal for a registered sex offender to enter a public park has yielded its first arrest.

Jerry Lee Hill Sr. was picked up Saturday for trespassing in Hugh MacRae Park. Police were called after a park employee recognized Hill. A few months ago he was told to leave because of suspicious activity outside the bathroom.

“We depend on the people out there. If you see something that looks a little suspicious, looks a little unusual, you’re not really sure of it, please call. We would rather it turn out to be nothing then have it be something and then you tell us later, or I saw it but I didn’t think it was important,” said Ed McMahon, NHC Chief deputy.

Hill was charged with second degree trespassing and cited for being a sex offender at a park. He was released on a $1,000 bond.