CA - Criminals are not obeying the laws, so let's pass another law for them to follow

Original Article

04/30/2013

By Paige St. John

A pared-down bill that would send sex offenders who repeatedly remove their GPS tracking devices back to state prison cleared its first legislative committee Tuesday, making progress where broader measures failed.

In a deal struck with Democratic leaders who seek to protect Gov. Jerry Brown's prison realignment plan, Sen. Ted Lieu amended his GPS-tampering bill to make first offenses punishable by a mandatory 180 days in county jail, the maximum penalty currently on the books.

Second offenses would require a year in county jail, and on the third offense, the parolee would be required to be returned to prison. The legislation would apply only to some 8,000 paroled sex offenders who are required to wear electronic monitors. It does not address gang members, domestic stalkers and other parolees the state may be tracking.

"To me this is not an issue that deals with realignment. It deals with the integrity of our GPS monitoring system," Lieu (D-Torrance) told the Senate Public Safety Committee just prior to a passing vote. He cited a federally funded study that shows sex offenders who are monitored by GPS systems are less likely to commit a new crime while on parole.
- So where is that study?  Since it's not linked in the article, we can only assume this is the study (PDF) in question?

The amended bill had broad support from state law enforcement agencies. Earlier opponents, including public defenders, said they would consider the amendments.

[Updated, 2:30 p.m. April 30: A slate of Republican-backed measures that called for tougher penalties have had no success. The House Public Safety Committee on Tuesday killed a bill by Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) that required prison time for parolees who take off their GPS devices. Afterward, Patterson blasted Democrats on the committee who voted against his bill, saying they "now bear personal responsibility for the carnage to come."]
- Carnage?  Really?  Typical fear mongering as usual!

California is under federal court orders to reduce crowding in state prisons and Brown must, by Thursday, submit a plan to remove some 9,000 additional inmates. His 2011 realignment plan reduced the state prison population by more than 20,000 by making lower-level felonies a county jail offense and requiring counties to house parole violators. A Times investigation showed some counties, unable to fit parole violators in their jails, were setting them free, in turn leading to a sharp rise in sex offenders removing their GPS trackers.

In response to records requests from The Times, state corrections officials acknowledged more than 4,900 warrants filed against paroled sex offenders for disabling their GPS devices in the first 15 months after penalties for doing so were reduced.

SB57 (PDF) now goes to the Senate Appropriations committee.

See Also:

• (05/10/2013) Lawmakers push to increase penalties for sex offenders who remove GPS trackers

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ME - Bangor council to vote on sex offender residency restriction again; studies question effectiveness

Original Article

04/21/2013

By Nick McCrea

BANGOR - City councilors will decide Monday whether to ban convicted sex offenders from moving to within 750 feet of publicly owned property used primarily by children — the same idea councilors shot down in a lopsided 8-1 vote 28 months ago.

The residency restriction would apply to individuals convicted of Class A, B or C sex offenses committed against a child under age 14. Offenders in that category who currently live within a 750-foot boundary wouldn’t be required to move. However, if they did move, it would have to be outside a restricted zone and they could not move back into a restricted area. That’s the most restrictive ordinance allowed under Maine law.

The ordinance, which councilors dusted off again for a series of committee meetings beginning in March, does not apply to privately owned facilities, such as museums or day cares.

Residents attending committee meetings, both in 2010 and more recently, largely supported the restrictions.

“At this point in time, I would welcome any restrictions on the locations of sex offenders in any manner,” Steven Hicks of Sanford Street said during an April 17 Government Operations Committee meeting. “I don’t want to be welcoming to them.”

There are 141 registered sex offenders living in Bangor, with 21 coming from out of state. Another 35 convicted sex offenders work in Bangor but live elsewhere. About 73 of those registered offenders living in Bangor committed their crimes against someone under age 14 and would be targeted under the statute, according to City Councilor Pauline Civiello. Civiello said she was concerned that Bangor might be attracting offenders.

Donna Wright of Ohio Street also welcomed the proposed restrictions.

“We are not trying to welcome more and more of these people into the community,” Wright said. “Let us not be worried so much about their rights, but let’s be a little more concerned about the message that we’re sending.”

In 2010, councilors who voted against the residency restriction did so because they felt it was a feel-good ordinance that wouldn’t improve children’s safety. Some were concerned it might make children less safe by giving parents a false sense of security.

Councilor David Nealley, who is on the council again this year, was the only councilor to vote in favor of the residency restriction in 2010, arguing it would have sent a strong message.

Studies conducted across the country call into question whether sex offender residency restrictions are effective. Several reports provided by city staff to the council in both 2010 and again this year indicate that the ordinances typically prove ineffective.

In Minnesota, the state’s Department of Corrections conducted studies in 2003 and 2007 and found that there was no evidence that residential proximity to schools or parks affected recidivism rates, as people who offend tend to do so away from their own neighborhoods. The department’s research also found that pushing high-risk sex offenders to rural or suburban areas resulted in less access to services and supervision.

Studies in Iowa, Colorado, California, Florida and other states showed similar outcomes.

National studies indicate that more than 90 percent of child sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone who knows the child, oftentimes in the offender’s or victim’s home, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

“These sorts of restrictions, while well-intentioned, will only make our communities less safe by creating a false sense of security while doing nothing to reduce recidivism,” said Rachel Healy, director of communications for the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. “Rather than passing ineffective, fear-driven policies, we should be focused on proven solutions that actually keep our kids safe.”

Councilor Nelson Durgin, who was on the 2010 council, shared those same concerns during the April 17 committee meeting. He said he would be voting against the ordinance for a second time on Monday.

Maine municipalities have differed widely on the issue of sex offender residency restrictions.

Portland rejected an ordinance in early 2010, shortly before Bangor took the same step. The issue has not resurfaced there, according to city staff.

Westbrook had a more strict ordinance in place prior to 2010, before it had to dial its rules back after the restriction was challenged in court. The ordinance in its original form included a sex offender residency ban in commercial zones and other parts of the city, effectively prohibiting offenders from living most anywhere in Westbrook, according to police Capt. Tom Roth.

“It seems to be working for us now, but I think that’s because we have such high scrutiny on sex offenders,” Roth said.

Augusta police Chief Robert Gregoire said the capital city’s council passed a sex offender residency ordinance in January. He said the ordinance had solid community support. Gregoire said he didn’t think it would reduce the number of sex offenders in Augusta, which is home to 116 registered offenders.

“This may not have any measurable effect,” but it puts people at ease,” Gregoire said.

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NJ - Just the usual media vigilantism and fear mongering as well as disinformation

In the second video they try to tell you that having ex-offenders wearing GPS is why there is a low recidivism rate, but the facts are, ex-offenders have a low recidivism rate in the first place, so GPS is not why. Just the usual media vigilantism, fear mongering and disinformation as usual.

Video Link


Video Link

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MA - In wake of alarming audit, state to check whether child care workers are sex offenders

Susan Bump

Original Article

Just because someone is forced to wear the "sex offender" label doesn't mean they have sexually abused a child. Out of the 119 matches, how many had sexual crimes against children, and how old were they when the crime occurred? That is information that is needed in a study like this, unless you are just fear mongering?

03/27/2013

By Martin Finucane

People who work in child care centers or live on the centers’ premises will be checked to see if they are registered sex offenders, the acting head of the state agency that oversees the centers said today.

Acting Early Education and Care Commissioner Thomas L. Weber commented in the wake of a state audit (PDF) that found 119 matches between the addresses of registered sex offenders and the addresses of child care providers.

“We take the safety and security of children in the care of providers very seriously. It’s our highest priority. Any time we receive suggestions or findings related to safety, we’re going to treat those very seriously,” Weber said.

“We’ll obviously work closely with [the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security] and the Sex Offender Registry Board to ensure that all those who are working with children and/or living with children are being reviewed for any safety concerns,” he said.

Auditor Suzanne Bump today unveiled the audit, which covered the period from July 2010 to September 2011, calling for the state to check whether those who work or live at child care sites are sex offenders, something 17 others states do, she said.

Bump also called for the state to continue to check for address matches. Weber said the address matching would also be done. “We’ll take advantage of all publicly available information,” he said.

“No parent who drops their child off at day care should have to worry about the safety of their son or daughter,” Bump said in a statement. “The presence of registered sex offenders in such proximity to groups of children is information parents, providers, and the EEC must have and act upon.”
- Not all ex-sex offenders have sexually abused children!  That is like saying all ex-felons are serial killers because a couple are, but it's the typical reaction by politicians and many in today's society.

The child care agency said in a response included in the audit report that its investigation had found that 16 of the address matches uncovered by Bump’s office were for programs that were closed, 39 were for workplaces or community college campuses where the sex offenders were either working or going to school, and 10 simply weren’t matches.

In 50 of the remaining cases, Weber said, the sex offender lived in the same building but not at the child care facility and operators were directed to “complete a safety plan” for the children.

In four cases, at four separate locations, Weber said, the investigation found that sex offenders were living in homes where family day care was provided. Those licenses were immediately revoked, he said.

The 119 offenders matched addresses with 75 child care locations, said auditor’s spokesman Christopher Thompson, meaning multiple offenders matched up, in some cases, to a single location. Weber said that could be explained, for example, by multiple offenders listing a community college campus.

After a thorough review of all 119 “individuals of concern,” Weber said, “we haven’t received any evidence of any wrongdoing. ... Should we have any information brought to our attention we will take action and, if appropriate, report it to public safety officials.”

The audit matched the addresses of Level 2 and Level 3 offenders against the addresses of child care providers licensed by the agency. Weber said he had no information on how many of those with matching addresses were Level 3 offenders, those considered most likely to reoffend.

The audit also contained other findings critical of the agency, but Bump said the agency had already taken actions in response.

“While I know that EEC has the best intention to fulfill its mission, this audit shows that more can be done to protect young children,” said Bump. “Unfortunately, there is little margin of error as just one case can have dire consequences.”

Weber, the acting commissioner, has been on the job for only a little over two weeks. The commissioner of the department, Sherri Killins, resigned earlier this month after revelations that, while working at her nearly $200,000-per-year state job, she was enrolled in a superintendent training program in the town of Ware.

Video Link

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WA - Homeless sex offenders on the rise (Due to residency restrictions!)

Original Article

Just more of the usual media fear mongering. If they'd eliminate the residency restrictions then much of this would go a way. Why do they now ask, why are they homeless?

03/11/2013

By Davis Wahlman

BENTON COUNTY - KEPR is always keeping an eye on the process to track sex offenders in our community.

We learned one-type of offender is on the rise here in the Tri-Cities.

We looked at how you can keep your family safe.

Megan Mahaffey brings her children to Columbia Park almost every week. She feels safe knowing the park is far from homes.

Megan wants to steer clear of the possibility of any sex offenders, saying, "I don't think they should be allowed to live within in like, 20 miles of a park and a school."

But the offenders she's talking about are the one's who actually follow the rules. They tell law enforcement where they're living.

The number of compliant sex offenders hasn't gone up substantially in several years.

But officials at the Benton County Sheriff's Office are growing concerned about the number of transient offenders.

They may check-in with deputies, but they don't have a permanent home.

They could be anywhere -- at any time.

There are currently 477 registered sex offenders living in Benton County. 16 are transient.

Law enforcement has no way to proactively checking on them. They have to wait for the offender to make their weekly visit with authorities instead.

16 may not seem like a lot, but it used to hover around three to five.

Having three-times the number of homeless sex offenders is more work -- and more of the unknown.

Checking online can give you some idea of where offenders live.

But the list isn't complete.

If you were to go online to the Benton County Sheriff's website and put in the address for this park, you'd find at least four sex offenders living within two miles, but officials tell me it could be much more.

Leaving it up to parents to be aware -- and stay vigilant -- as the number of homeless sex offenders is on the rise.

We checked for an updated number of transient sex offenders in Franklin County, but that number was unavailable today.

Agencies update as best they can with the time and resources available.

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CA - Sex offender reveals why child molesters cut their GPS bracelets

Original Article

One man doesn't speak for everyone!

This is just more of the usual media hysteria disinformation campaign. They interview one person and make it seem like all ex-sex offenders think like him, well, they do not. Why didn't you interview hundreds of ex-offenders who removed their GPS devices, then tell us what the majority said? Also, this is clearly a violation of probation / parole, and they have the power to send them back to prison, so new laws are not needed, not unless you are a politician who is trying to help yourself look like you are doing something!

03/07/2013

By Mike Luery

WOODLAND (KCRA) - In an exclusive interview with KCRA 3, a convicted sex offender revealed child molesters have no fear of going back to prison after cutting their GPS tracking devices.

"Yeah, it's 30 days in a county jail. It's a slap on the wrist to them," said Will, who was convicted of child molestation.

Will is employed in Yolo County, and asked KCRA 3 not to reveal his full name, for fear of losing his job.

Will has been wearing a GPS tracking device on his ankle ever since he was released from prison in October 2011.

He served eight years behind bars after being convicted on drug and sex-offender charges.

"Do I consider myself a child molester anymore? Absolutely not," Will told KCRA 3.

Will said he is clean and sober now, after years of drug and alcohol abuse.

The low point came in 1995, when he molested a 5-year-old.

While charges were pending against him, Will fled to Arizona and lived there for eight years before he turned himself in to authorities.

"I made a bad judgment call. I was very amped up on methamphetamine," Will told KCRA 3. "Most child molesters make these mistakes because they were either victims themselves, or they were extremely high on drugs or alcohol."
- This may be true for some, but it's not true for many others.  Again, it's one mans opinion.

Continue reading from page 2 of the article here


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CA - Poll: Are Email Alerts on Sex Offenders More Valuable to Politicians or Parents?

Original Article

Visit the article to take the poll.

03/07/2013

By Ken Stone

Predatory sex offenders are every parent’s nightmare, but police see more molestations within families than involving “stranger danger.” So when San Diego County highlighted its new system alerting residents if a sex offender registers in their area, it might be cause for concern.

“Research on the victim/offender relationship in child abduction/molestation cases is not new,” says an essay by Ernest E. Allen on the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention website.

“Using a sample of 148 offenders who sexually assaulted youth and were sent for observation to a Massachusetts treatment facility, Groth and colleagues (1978) concluded that only 29 percent of the offenders studied were complete strangers to their child victims. In 71 percent of the cases, the offender and victim knew each other at least casually, and in 14 percent of the cases, the offender was a member of the child's immediate family.”

No doubt the email alerts will be welcome by many parents, but are they really a boon for safety or a way for officials to insure the safety of their jobs or offices?

Video Link

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The solution to rape is to train men not to rape women?

What about women who rape men? Or women who rob, beat or commit other crimes against men? Men are not the only ones who commit crime! And they are not dogs that need to be trained! This is the same man hating mentality as this article. Man I cannot stand Feminazi's!

Video Link

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CA - More Calif. sex offenders go missing under new law

Original Article

03/06/2013

By DON THOMPSON

SACRAMENTO - The number of paroled sex offenders who are fugitives in California is 15 percent higher today than before Gov. Jerry Brown's sweeping law enforcement realignment law took effect 17 months ago, according to figures released Wednesday by the state corrections department.

The increase amounts to 360 more sex offenders whose whereabouts were unknown and who were not reporting to their parole officers last year.

An Associated Press analysis of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation data shows that 2,706 paroled sex offenders dropped out of sight in the 15 months since the new law took effect in October 2011, compared to 2,346 in the 15 months before realignment. The numbers were obtained by the AP before their public release.

That's an average of 180 sex offender fugitives each month, up from 156 before realignment.

Attention has focused on parolees who cut off or disable their GPS-linked ankle bracelets, meaning that parole agents are unable to track their movements by satellite. Sex offender parolees are required to wear the tracking devices under Jessica's Law, approved by state voters in 2006.

The governor's realignment law sends lower-level offenders to county jails instead of state prisons and was enacted in part to conform to a federal court order to reduce the inmate population.
- I think they meant release people not just move them around!

Before the law took effect in 2011, those who violated their parole by tampering with the devices could have been returned to state prison for up to a year. Now they can be sentenced to up to six months in county jails, but many are released within days because local jails are overcrowded.

Some county jails refuse to accept the parole violators at all.

The problem varies greatly by county. Many saw no significant change, while some saw decreases in the number of sex offenders who could no longer be located.

But the number nearly doubled in Fresno County, from 62 before realignment to 116 through the end of last year. The number jumped from 685 to 847 in Los Angeles County, which produces about a third of the state's criminals.

Among other large counties in Southern California, Orange County saw an increase from 91 to 119; Riverside County from 131 to 151; and San Bernardino County from 154 to 195. The number dropped slightly in San Diego County, from 141 to 140.

In the Central Valley, Kern County saw an increase in the number of fugitive sex offenders from 51 to 67, Sacramento County from 170 to 191 and San Joaquin County from 74 to 94. San Francisco increased from 72 to 84.

Read the rest of the article here

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MO - House panel mulls voting for sex offenders (Misleading title as usual)

Original Article

03/05/2013

By JORDAN SHAPIRO

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) - Registered sex offenders would be required to vote at their local county clerk's office under a bill heard Tuesday that's intended to keep them away from public polling booths at schools and other places where children might be present.

Sponsoring Rep. Tim Remole, R-Excello, told the House Elections Committee that the measure would protect children in schools, child care centers or churches from potentially being assaulted. The committee did not vote on the bill Tuesday.
- Come on, more fear mongering as usual!  How many children are in schools during voting?  And usually voting is done in the gym, etc, where many adults are present.  This is pure nonsense!

Missouri has more than 16,000 registered sex offenders. They can vote after being paroled and completing the terms of their probation.

Current law prevents a registered sex offender from residing within 1,000 feet of a school or loitering within 500 feet of a school building. A spokeswoman for the Missouri Secretary of State's office said registered offenders are not allowed to violate the state's sex offender laws in order to vote.
- So going to vote is not exactly loitering now is it?

But Randolph County Clerk Will Ellis told the House committee that a registered sex offender voted at a school in his county last November. He said the legislation would remove a potential danger for children.

No one testified in opposition to the legislation. But the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Officials said the bill had some logistical issues. Association President Darryl Kempf said he would be required to spend money to turn his office into a polling place on Election Day.

Some House Elections Committee members said Missouri would also have to update its absentee voting laws to adopt Remole's plan. The measure would allow registered offenders to vote via absentee ballot if they are unable to cast their ballot at their county clerk's office. But Missouri currently only allows absentee ballots to be cast if people are not present in their home county or have a disability or religious objection that would prevent them from going to their polling place.

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NV - I-Team: Officers Keeping 24-Hour Watch on Sex Offender

Original Article

Wow, pure hysteria! They didn't even monitor serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer 24/7, and he dismembered and ate people! You'd think the person mentioned below was Hitler or something.

02/19/2013

By Nathan Baca

LAS VEGAS - Nevada Parole and Probation officers are keeping a 24-hour watch on a man who they said is the most dangerous sex offender in Las Vegas.

Although the man was arrested just days ago in a sting operation, the officers requested the man's identity not be revealed because he is still being investigated.

"This is actual eyes on," parole Sgt. Brian Zana said. "This is someone in the law enforcement community literally having eyes on him."

"It does take a lot of effort, but so does having to deal with a new victim."

Despite his recent arrest, the officers said they are fed up and have learned during their patrols that sex offenders are getting a dangerous message: Jails are too overcrowded and courts too overburdened to punish them for parole violations.

Possession of sexual triggers including porn, alcohol and drugs often result in little or no consequences.

The sex offender believed to be so dangerous may inspire a new law and return enforcement power to parole agents.
- Enforcement should be in the hands of probation and parole, like it originally was, not some blanket, unconstitutional law!

According to police reports, starting at age 17, the sex offender molested his sister and two neighbor girls, including a 6-year-old.

The sex offender's psychological exams were met with alarm.

He was diagnosed as a pedophiliac with schizoid traits who fantasized about rape.

The police said the offender told doctors it was not a matter of if he'd rape again, but when.
- So why wasn't he committed and given treatment?

"We've partnered up with a unit over at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and we are able to continue 24-hour surveillance," Zana said. "We're able to learn some of his habits. What he's been doing. He's homeless currently. During the day he rides the bus. He flirts and hits on females of all ages and types. He doesn't have a specific type. He doesn't have a specific age like most sex offenders."
- So if he doesn't exclusively like underage children, then by definition, he's not a pedophile!

Parole and Probation recently rearrested the offender when an officer posed as a teenager to meet him at a park.

Police asked the I-Team to not reveal his name until his first court hearing, fearing that the offender would realize the extraordinary measures taken to keep an eye on him.

Zana said he believes a new law would keep repeat offenders in prison, preventing the expense and effort of 24-hour surveillance.
- So which costs more, 24 hour surveillance or prison for longer?  What about getting the person treatment?

Zana was writing the new law, but learned from the state Legislature it would not be passed this year, because it is not considered a legislative priority at this time.

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NJ - Bill aims to protect evacuees from sex offenders following Paulsboro train derailment

Original Article

Wow, these people are crazy. They seem to think ex-sex offenders are just sitting at home, waiting for some disaster, and then "Hey, a train wreck, let's go molest some people!" It's pure fear mongering and hysteria.

02/09/2013

By Rebecca Forand

A bill that will require the state Department of Human Services and other agencies be given access to the state’s sex offender registry when placing homeless and displaced families into emergency shelters such as hotels and motels is on its way to the governor’s desk.

The bill, sponsored by Linda Greenstein, D-14 of Plainsboro, and Fred Madden, D-4 of Washington Township, in the state Senate and John Burzichelli, D-3 of Paulsboro, in the Assembly, addresses a problem first reported on by the South Jersey Times following a train derailment and chemical spill in Paulsboro.

Two articles published in December 2012 and January 2013 highlighted the Doran family, who were evacuated from their home following the Nov. 30 accident.

For two weeks, Del and Danielle Doran, and their two daughters, Paige, 15, and Cassie, 12, were put up in Greenwich Township’s Motel 6 while the accident and chemical spill was cleaned up.

However, a man convicted of sexual assault on a 13-year-old girl lives in the Motel 6, and the Doran family was not notified of this when they were sent there for refuge.
- And what do you know, not a single crime was committed!  But hey, let's not let a good disaster go to waste, let's pass more laws to punish ex-sex offenders.

The bill was originally introduced by Burzichelli in January 2012 after a homeless family was placed in a Brooklawn hotel with another registered sex offender residing in the room next door.
- And yet nothing happened!

“There should be a better coordinated effort,” Burzichelli said. “If you’re going to put people in temporary housing, at least they’ll be aware enough of their circumstances. It’s a legitimate issue. It’s about public awareness and public safety.”
- It doesn't matter what does or doesn't happen, you should always be cautious of your surroundings, that is a fact of life!

Currently there are still about 1,500 families throughout New Jersey living in hotels or motels following Hurricane Sandy.

This new legislation will require access to the state’s sex offender registry be provided to the Department of Human Services and county and municipal welfare agencies before any emergency placements are made.

“Families who are already dealing with the hardships of being evacuated from — or even worse, losing — their homes, should not be worried about who is in the motel room next door and whether their children are safe in their newfound environment,” Madden said in a release Friday. “By providing those agencies that are in charge of placing families into temporary housing with the necessary information to ensure that the area is free from sex offenders, we can ensure the continued safety of our kids. This is common-sense legislation that will close a dangerous loophole in the law.”
- So what are you going to do if you need to place a family, and an ex-sex offender lives there legally?  Tell them to leave?  Yeah, I'm sure that is exactly what you'd do.

Neither of the cases resulted in any danger coming to the evacuated or displaced families, but it is a chance state legislators do not want to take if the situation arises again.
- Yeah, like we said, no need to let a good disaster go to waste!

“In hindsight, it probably would have been a good idea,” Greenwich Township Police Capt. Lee McGill said of the recent Motel 6 occurrence. “Maybe it would head-off problems.”

The Assembly passed the bill Dec. 3, 2012, and the Senate passed it Thursday. It is now headed to the desk of Gov. Chris Christie.

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Not One More Child - Fear Mongering PSA

Their scary map was introduced into evidence in 2007-2008. We have no doubt that child porn exists, but is this a play on emotions to get your money? We think so.

If they know where all these "people" are, then why not get a search warrant and go arrest them? And how do they know these are "people" and not a computer virus spreading it around?

Think about it. If they knew the exact locate of drug dealers or serial killers, they'd be all over it, so why is this any different?

When the money comes out of their own pockets, then they see it differently! They seem to think money grows on trees or something. If you are so concerned about it, then donate your own money to "save the children!"

Our Quick Video:


Original PSA:


Won't somebody please think of the children?

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TX - NewsWest 9 Special (Fear Mongering) Report: The Sex Offender Boom!

Video Description:
Hardly a week goes by without someone making the news for committing a sex crime.

Many times it's a crime against a child.

While law enforcement officers are working hard to catch sex offenders, what happens after the crime has been committed?

NewsWest 9 has reported on a number of sex crimes against children and it's always alarming, particularly when the person accused is in a position of authority and trust, a police officer, military recruiter or a teacher.
- See the many police and other videos about sex crimes by these people in authority, which you don't hear much about, and also see this blog post.

But once a sex offender has been caught and convicted, what happens next? Are there safeguards in place to protect families and to keep it from happening again?
- Well, when the majority of sex crimes are by someone the victim knows, the only way to potentially stop this is to remove all kids from their parents or care givers.

It's an important question because as the population continues to grow in the Permian Basin, so does the number of sex offenders who live here.

In fact, the Texas Department of Public Safety's Sex Offender Registry, a website by the way that anyone can access, shows that there are about 650 registered offenders in Ector and Midland counties combined.

On the website, you'll find more than just a name, an age and a picture.

It also includes details about the crime, the level of risk the offender may pose to the community, where they work and where they live.
- Yeah, a pretty little phone book vigilantes can use to track down and harass or do harm to ex-offenders and/or their families.

We also discovered that there are very few restrictions on where a registered sex offender may be employed.

In some cases, they could be working at jobs that bring them right into your home.

The SCARY Promo Video:

Video Link


Video Link

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NC - Sex Offenders Change Their Identities To Avoid Law Enforcement, Get Jobs

Original Article

10/25/2012

By Faith Abubey

There are now more than 14,000 sex offenders living in North Carolina. That number is a tally of just those who are on the books with the state's sex offender registery.

Nationally, there are 570,000 registered offenders.
- This just goes to show you, "reporters" do not know what they are talking about, and do not do any real investigative work.  Based on what the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children say, there are just over 722,000 offenders (PDF) in this country, so you are about 152,000 off, but, does it really make a difference?  This article is the usual fear-mongering crap!

Even more troubling is that a U.S. Department of Justice funded research has revealed 16% of the offenders nationwide are beating the system by stealing identities to avoid being tracked. Some of the abusers are hiding from the law in plain sight. They are out working jobs their criminal records disqualifies them from. However, few people, including law enforcement agencies, know because they aren't aware of the tactic.
- Really?  I've searched their site and do not see this "study!"  If anyone finds it, let me know.  I do know of one article, but it's not very convincing either, here.

One month on the job, and Corporal Brian Henderson with the Guilford County Sex Offender Registry has met more sex offenders than he ever wanted to know.

"We do sweeps, we bring in 40-50 officers, we give them all about 10 files and say, 'go out and knock on these doors,' and in one morning we'll touch 700 sex offenders," said Corporal Henderson, commenting on the 700 sex offenders registered in Gulford County.
- Careful, you "touch" someone the wrong way and you'll be on the registry.

Regular compliance checks have kept a majority of the 14,000 North Carolina sex offenders on the books.

"There are victims for every one of these folks that I come out here for," said Corporal Henderson. "That's what I'm doing this for. To make sure there's not another victim."

A new study, paid for by the Department of Justice, reveals a startling statistic. One in six sex offenders is re-inventing themself.
- I don't buy it!  Show me the study.

What does that mean? Some sex offenders are using fake birthdates, stealing social security numbers and making up addresses to avoid being tracked.

Researchers estimate there are 92,000 sex offenders among us, changing their identity.
- I don't like estimates or educated guesses, I like facts.

News 2's Faith Abubey called investigators and deputies in the Triad, and most said they'd never heard of "identity stealing sex offenders." The researchers say that's not surprising, considering how new this trend is. What's more problematic? They don't have the resources to stay on top of it.
- Exactly, they've never heard about it, but they say "it's a new trend," and again, I don't buy it.  Just sounds like a way to plead for more money.

The Department of Justice is now working with the researchers to find out if there's something they can do to stay a step ahead of sex offenders who change their identities.

Until then - they suggest we all get familiar with the online sex offender registry.
- So if what you say is true, then how will checking an online shaming hit-list do any good?

The researchers are working on breaking down the numbers state-by-state. When News 2 gets the North Carolina numbers, we'll let you know.
- I'm sure you will, but, I'm sure we'll never hear anymore about it.

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TX - Pasadena residents fearful after reports of a sexual predator

Original Article

10/25/2012

By Rucks Russell

PASADENA — Fears of a sexual predator have given homeowners a disturbing reality check in a Pasadena neighborhood.

“I don’t feel safe at all,” said Linda Cox, who’s lived in the area for 45 years. “I feel like I could get out of my car and someone could just grab me and take me and they could do anything.”
- The world is a dangerous place, but living in total fear is not going to do you any good, except worry you over nothing!

Many neighbors are scared because of what happened to a female postal worker who was delivering mail Wednesday afternoon.

According to police, she was assaulted by a man who groped and fondled her. The woman fought back and her attacker eventually ran away.

The incident occurred in the 800 block of Yorkshire Road, about half of a mile from an apartment complex where a similar attack occurred in early October.

In that assault, a man attempted to grope a 10-year-old girl. She also fought back and managed to get away.

Authorities weren’t sure if the incidents were connected. No one has been arrested.

“It’s very disturbing,” said Johnny Garza, who has a teenage daughter. “I don’t like that at all. I don’t feel comfortable that someone is in the neighborhood doing that.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Pasadena police.

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CO - Cañon City resident proposes sex offender ordinance

Original Article

10/15/2012

By CARIE CANTERBURY

Ken Rief wants more to be done to protect children after murder of Jessica Ridgeway
- Once again, there is no proof that this girl was sexually abused or killed by a known or unknown sex offender, but society, as usual, wants to punish all ex-sex offenders for the deeds of a murderer.

Cañon City resident Ken Rief proposed Monday that the city council consider creating a sex offender ordinance during their regular council meeting.

"I'm sure we all know that we have a problem in this county with child predators," he said, citing the recent abduction and murder of Jessica Ridgeway of the Denver metro area, the alleged sex assault of a girl in Cody, Wyo., and a reported abduction in Pueblo.

"I'd like to know why we haven't tried passing a city ordinance restricting where sex offenders may be -- near schools, libraries, city parks," he said. "Why they're allowed to give out candy on Halloween."
- Because, as you do, they have rights!

Rief said he believes the issue is a significant problem, but he doesn't see anything being done about it.

"There are a lot of cities throughout this country that are going to these sex offender ordinances, and, of course, the ACLU is coming in and shutting them down, but I think that we need to try to do something like that," he said. "I think that our kids are the most important things that we have on this planet, and I just don't understand why more isn't being done."

Rief said he has written to city council members, congressmen and senators regarding the issue.

"I'm almost offended that nobody is doing anything about this," he said. "We need to do something to send a statement saying we're not going to put up with this stuff anymore."
- So why don't we have a registry for all ex-criminals then?  You see, it's not about being fair and protecting everyone, it's all about punishing the scapegoat, the ex-sex offender.

City Attorney John Havens after the meeting said there are no local ordinances, and he is not aware of any state laws that restrict where convicted sex offenders may live or spend their time.

"Some jurisdictions have done that, and some states have done that and he is very correct, the ACLU files suits wherever these efforts are made," he said. "They're not always successful, but you're into very expensive territory and you go through several levels of court."
- They file suit because you are running on emotions instead of facts, and passing unconstitutional laws.

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CA - Judge Pirro: Sex Offenders’ Arguments in Halloween Trick-or-Treat Lawsuit Are ‘Hogwash’

Judge Jeanine Pirro

Original Article

10/05/2012

In Simi Valley, California, a law was passed prohibiting registered sex offenders from giving out candy to Halloween trick-or-treaters. A group of sex offenders have now sued the city, saying the law is an infringement on their First Amendment rights.

The law bans those convicted of sex crimes from having Halloween displays or outside lighting on Oct. 31. For offenders listed on the Megan’s Law website, the city also requires them to have a sign clearly posted on the front door, reading: “No candy or treats at this residence.”

Judge Jeanine Pirro weighed in on the dispute this morning on Fox and Friends, saying essentially that the law should be upheld because government’s first obligation is the protection of its citizens.
- No, the first obligation is to defend the Constitution and everyone's rights, not just those you like.

“They say it’s a violation of their civil rights … that’s hogwash. Here’s the bottom line: predators and pedophiles are repeat offenders. They are cunning, they are devious. They are waiting for our children to come to their doors,” said Pirro, cautioning that not every city or state has such an ordinance.
- Yeah, your statement is what is hogwash.  If that were true, then how come there is not one documented case of where this has occurred on Halloween?

See Also:

• Sex Offenders Sue to Overturn Simi Valley Halloween Restrictions

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NY - The Sex Offenders Next Door

Original Article

09/29/2012

A controversy is growing in South Ozone Park that shows the challenge state and city officials face when trying to find shelter for sex offenders and others coming out of prison.

It was learned that more than 20 sex offenders are living in a shelter 1,000 feet away from PS 124, according to the state sex offender registry.

The Skyway Shelter, on South Conduit Avenue, is a men-only homeless shelter that used to be a family facility until last year. Some of the sex offenders residing there have been convicted of violent crimes and offenses against minors.
- So what, it's a men-only facility, so what's the problem?

City Councilman Ruben Wills told our reporter the city Department of Homeless Services did not live up to its assurances to the community that it would try to keep sex offenders out of the facility.
- Why, it's a men-only facility?  So you are showing it's all about punishment, and you want these people homeless, in our opinion.

He said the state is “basically using our children as cheese on a mousetrap.”
- Just the usual fear mongering by a politician.  I don't see it, not in what was said further above.  If it's a men-only facility, then there should be no children, and no potential problem.

That is an exaggeration. These men have to live somewhere. There are states where nothing is done for people coming out of prison. With no jobs or money, they wind up sleeping under bridges.

Wills’ office raised the sex-offender issue at a Community Board 10 meeting earlier this month.
- Of course he did, he must be up for election, and as most politicians do, got to play the "tough on crime" card, especially on ex-sex offenders.

Heather Janik, the DHS press secretary, said it has to provide shelter for these men.

“Pursuant to court orders, Homeless Services is under legal mandate to provide shelter to all homeless individuals or eligible families regardless of their criminal background, including sex offender status,” she said.
- Amen, and this politician is mandated by the US & state Constitutions to uphold the rights of all citizens, not just those he likes.

That’s understandable. But the DHS doesn’t perform background checks on shelter applicants. Instead it relies on self-reports or reports from the state Division of Parole.

For the sake of the community, DHS should do a minimal background check. It should know something about the men and women living in its shelters. And it should be checking the sex offender registry and notifying the nearby community when a sex offender moves in.

The DHS has access to the sex offender registry.

For budgetary reasons, southeast Queens has once again become a dumping ground. What was once a motel became a shelter for families and now a men’s shelter that has housed sex offenders and ex-cons.
- It's a men's shelter, and I think adults can protect themselves!

They need to live somewhere, but this is a bad choice.
- Why?  Where is a "good" place?

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Kids Live Safe Tries to Defend False 52% Sex Offender Recidivism Rate

The statistic is about child molesters, and is from an old study, which is being misquoted all the time. See the "See Also" link below.

See Also:

• Special Report: Misquoting of Prentky's 1997 Long Term Recidivism Study: Affecting a MAJOR US Supreme Court Decision

Video Description:
Very amusing and telling conversation with a representative from Kids Live Safe (More Here).

Video Link

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