Livingston County deputies continue their efforts to locate an unregistered sex offender who may have removed his GPS bracelet.

Sheriff Steve Cox says Steven L. Burns, 30, of Utica is wanted on a “no bond” warrant dated September 29. He’s wanted for an alleged probation violation after violating sex-offender registration requirements.

On September 30, deputies and Missouri Probation/Parole Officers tracked Mr. Burns to a remote location north west of Utica in a heavily wooded area using the GPS signal. Officers conducted a lengthy search and did not find Mr. Burns. Cox says they believe that Mr. Burns somehow removed the GPS bracelet after learning of the arrest warrant.

Cox says Mr. Burns parked his vehicle at home yesterday and left on foot or with another person.

“Evidence also suggests that Mr. Burns has or is now receiving assistance from at least one person outside the immediate family,” Cox says in a news release. “Anyone who provides assistance to a fugitive may also be arrested for a felony violation.”

Burns was convicted in a 2008 forcible rape and forcible sodomy case.

Cox says they hope to take Burns into custody without incident.

“The best solution for Mr. Burns before additional charges are sought is to immediately surrender to law enforcement.”