Wife charged for lying about wanted sex offender husband's disappearance

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. - The wife of a wanted sex offender is facing charges of her own after lying to law enforcement about her husband’s disappearance Sunday, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report.

Viola Bailey of Lake Wales told Manatee officials that 68-year-old Charles Bailey went missing shortly after being notified of a pending arrest warrant.

Viola said that Charles learned of the Polk County warrant regarding a juvenile sex crime Thursday.

She said he got angry and went for a drive with her 3:00 p.m. Sunday.

According to her story, she stopped at the Oasis Food Store and went inside, but when she returned, Charles left on foot, only taking his ID and a pistol. She said she didn’t report the crime until later Sunday evening, based on the advice of her family.

But detectives learned overnight that Viola’s story was made up. She will be charged with Filing a False Police report.

Charles whereabouts are currently unknown.

He is described as a white male, 5'06" 160 lbs with gray and brown and a mustache. He was last seen wearing jeans, a  white t-shirt, and blue flannel shirt.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 747-3011.