La Grande PD Warns of High-Risk Sex Offender on the Move

Authorities alert public about Kenneth Dunford, a registered level 3 sex offender traveling between states.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A stark visual representation of the heightened law enforcement scrutiny surrounding a high-risk sex offender on the move.La Grande Today

The La Grande Police Department has issued a public notice about Kenneth Dunford, a 'high risk' registered sex offender who is reportedly traveling from state to state and associating near locations where children gather, such as libraries. Dunford is known to sleep in a blue 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan with Wisconsin license plate BBU5053, often in hotel or motel parking lots.

Why it matters

Sex offenders classified as 'high risk' pose a significant threat to public safety, especially when they are transient and able to avoid law enforcement oversight. This alert aims to inform the community about Dunford's movements and behaviors in order to protect vulnerable children and enable businesses to take action to keep him off their premises.

The details

According to the police notice, Dunford is a registered level 3 sex offender who has been taking advantage of various state sex offender laws to avoid violating them as he travels between locations. Law enforcement has communicated with the originating state of his registration and is aware of his movements.

  • The La Grande Police Department recently became aware of Dunford's presence in the area.

The players

Kenneth Dunford

A registered level 3 (high risk) sex offender who is reportedly traveling from state to state and associating near locations where children gather.

La Grande Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that issued the public notice about Dunford's movements and behaviors.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have recently been made aware of an individual named Kenneth Dunford. He is a registered level 3 (high risk) sex offender who is traveling from state to state, taking advantage of various sex offender laws to avoid violating them.”

— La Grande Police Department

“If you see him near areas where children congregate, please call us at 541-963-1017 for non-emergencies or 911 for emergencies. Additionally, if you are a manager of a hotel or motel and wish to have him trespassed from your premises, please contact our non-emergency line to request this action.”

— La Grande Police Department

What’s next

The La Grande Police Department is actively monitoring Dunford's movements and communicating with other law enforcement agencies to track his activities.

The takeaway

This alert highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community to protect vulnerable populations from high-risk sex offenders who exploit legal loopholes to evade oversight.