Johnston authorities go door to door to check on sex offenders

Local sheriffs' offices across 44 counties in eastern North Carolina and the U.S. Marshals Service teamed up for the operation, called "Home for the Holidays."

By law, registered sex offenders have three days to notify the local sheriff if they move. Failure to register is the most common violation among sex offenders.

Joseph Ford had just awakened at home in Selma when officers knocked, but he said he didn't mind.

"It's about as important as your life if you want to stay free," he said. "(The rules) are very straightforward and simple."

Ford was convicted in 2014 for indecent liberties with a minor.

Across the state over the past five years, law enforcement officers checked on almost 6,000 people, U.S. Marshal Scott Parker said.

Bizzell said his deputies would keep the heat on year-round.

"This is not just a fly-by-night thing," he said. "We will continue to monitor where the sex offenders are living. The people deserve that."