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Sex offender
sanctions not necessarily inclusive
By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – The sex offender who was arrested at the fair would have
been there legally if it hadn’t been for a violation of his
post-release control.
“There seems to be a misconception about what a sex offender can and
can’t do,” said Chief Deputy Mark Whittaker. “There is nothing in the
law that says a sex offender who has completed his time can’t be in
areas not specifically restricted by law.”
Whittaker said the reason deputies were able to arrest Tyrus Worsham
(at the fair) was he had violated his post-release control restrictions.
“If he had no longer been on post-release control we could have done
nothing,” Whittaker added. He would have been there legally.
Citizens had seen a sex offender, for instance, dropping his child off
at school and contacted the Sheriff’s Department. The individual had
every right to be there.
“After control the person has to register with the local sheriff. He
has to say where he works and he’s limited in where he can live. There
may be other sanctions,” Whittaker added, “but there is nothing that
says they can’t take their kid to school or see him at a football game.”
Whittaker said people have to be careful about actions they may want to
take.
“Once they’ve served their time, paid their LEGAL debt to society, your
feelings – my feelings on the subject – are now subjective.”
The law requires citizens be notified of a sex offender in their
neighborhood. Other laws require specific restrictions regarding
actions of sex offenders. However, a citizen can’t use this information
or knowledge to attack or molest the offender.
“We have a responsibility to protect them from harm if they aren’t
doing anything,” Whittaker said.
Published courtesy
of the Early Bird
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