Ironton Man Arrested at Elephant Rocks on Sex Offender Registration Charges

Iron Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A 34-year-old Ironton man is in custody after being arrested at Elephant Rocks State Park on multiple felony charges related to sex offender registration violations and resisting arrest.

According to authorities, a warrant was issued on April 29, 2025, for Brian David Ely Jr. of Ironton. The warrant stemmed from a charge of failing to register as a sex offender, a Class D felony.

On May 4, a Missouri State Park Ranger identified Ely at Elephant Rocks State Park as a registered sex offender. A check revealed the active warrant for failing to register, which led to an attempt to take Ely into custody.

Officials say Ely initially resisted arrest but was eventually subdued and transported to the Iron County Jail, where he remains incarcerated.

Ely now faces multiple charges, including:

• Failing to Register as a Sex Offender (Class E Felony)
• Sex Offender Physically Present/Loitering Within 500 Feet of a Playground, Pool, or Museum (Class E Felony)
• Resisting or Interfering with Arrest for a Felony (Class E Felony)
• Assault in the 4th Degree – Special Victims (Class A Misdemeanor)

The investigation remains ongoing.