CINCINNATI - There is a problem with Ohio's new law requiring sexual offenders to register with the local sheriff upon release from prison: Some of them are not living where they say they are.

The problem, which so far does not appear to be widespread, highlights an omission in the law that requires anyone designated a sexual predator to register with local authorities. There is no mechanism to assure that offenders are living where they say they live, and no requirement that local authorities confirm the predators are in place.

This week, officials discovered that Lloyd Fleming, a convicted sexual predator who told authorities he would be living in Clermont County, was found living 12 miles away in Butler County in suburban Cincinnati.

"We are aware of other instances where offenders have not been where they've said they are going to be,'' said Chris Davey, a spokesman for Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery. Ô"I would stress that this law is so new that it remains to be seen whether this will be a widespread problem.''

The law, modeled after Megan's Law in New Jersey, took effect Jan. 1. It is intended to alert residents if convicted sex offenders move to their neighborhood upon release from prison. It defines a sexual predator as someone who has been convicted of a sex crime and is likely to be a repeat offender.

The law requires anyone a judge designates as a sexual predator to register with the sheriff of the county where he or she lives, and contact the sheriff once every 90 days for life.

It requires the sheriff to notify schools, day care centers, police and the offender's new neighbors.

The law also defines two lesser categories of offenders, who are required to register. Davey said the state does know exactly how many offenders have lied about their addresses.