Opinion ID: 1248280
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Thomas's SORNA Conviction

Text: In 2000, Thomas was convicted in Iowa of third degree sexual abuse. After being released from prison in May 2005, Thomas properly registered as a sex offender in Iowa and kept his registration current through 2006. In January 2007, Thomas decided to move from Iowa to Wisconsin. Thomas notified Iowa authorities of his intent to move, and after moving, properly registered as a sex offender in Wisconsin. Thomas resided in Wisconsin until he was evicted from his apartment on September 13, 2007. Thomas began living in his car in Wisconsin. On October 10, 2007, he relocated to Iowa and continued to live in his car. Thomas failed to notify either the Iowa or Wisconsin sex offender registries of his move back to Iowa. As a result, Thomas was arrested by Iowa authorities on October 24, 2007. On November 28, 2007, Thomas was indicted on one count of failing to register as a sex offender in violation of § 2250. Thomas moved to dismiss the indictment arguing SORNA and § 2250 are outside Congress's commerce clause power. The district court denied this motion on February 13, 2008, finding (1) § 2250 is authorized by the commerce clause, and (2) although SORNA's registration requirement is not authorized under the commerce clause, it is constitutional under the necessary and proper clause. Thomas then entered a conditional guilty plea. Thomas now appeals.