A sex offender in Cumberland County has sued the state.

In a federal lawsuit, Jay Usategui of Hope Mills argues that a new state program that uses a bulky ankle bracelet and a 2-pound monitoring device to allow law enforcement officers to track him by satellite is unconstitutional.

He pleaded guilty in 2003 to taking indecent liberties with a 15-year-old girl.

The device would allow state officials to see if he is near a school, day-care center or other areas that are off limits to sex offenders. Usategui argues that it amounts to an "unreasonable search."

About 114 people are being monitored under the program. (N&O)