Criminal cases of all types, from bad checks to murders, are being reviewed by the Lauderdale County Grand Jury this week.

The 18-member panel is considering evidence gathered by law enforcement agencies. It will determine if prosecution will go forward against people who have been charged with crimes.

District Attorney Bilbo Mitchell said some of the cases are sexual offenders who have failed to register their addresses.

"There seems to be a few more of the sex offender cases this time," said Mitchell. "And I think that's just because Edna Clark's done just a great job on trying to keep up with where these people are. To be sure that they're not living close to a school or a playground or those places where they shouldn't be."

Mitchell said this grand jury is also hearing cases related to a large roundup of suspects after a 2-year drug investigation by local, state and federal authorities.