Council member proposes new ordinance to place signs at sex offenders homes

Council member proposes new ordinance to place signs at sex offenders homes

California Sex Offender Management Board Recommends Removal of Low Level Offenders

Posted on May 27, 2014 in Uncategorized 

http://floridaactioncommittee.org/california-sex-offender-management-board-recommends-removal-of-low-level-offenders/

Recognizing that their registry is clogged and over-burdened with thousands who pose little to no risk, the California Sex Offender Management Board has recommended that they remove some low risk offenders, including approximately 900 who have not committed an offense in over 55 years, from the registry.

The Board made these recommendations to a very reluctant legislature who acknowledged the board’s findings make sense but worry about political backlash.

Some points the Board made is that the list of almost 100,000 sex offenders is unwieldy and impossible to manage, dilutes focus from the registrants who actually require greater supervision and are based on premises which were found to be untrue in the decades since the registry was enacted.

We know that the registry and many of the corresponding requirements have proven unsuccessful in reducing sexual offenses and have, in fact, caused recidivism to increase in many cases. In is overreaching, costly, unfairly stigmatizes the families of registrants and simply does not work. Still, politicians are unwilling to do anything about it for fear of the backlash.

The Florida Action Committee hopes Legislators in California will start to put the safety of that State’s children ahead of their political agendas.

Source

Florida Action Committee (FAC), founded in 2006, is a state-wide consortium of concerned citizens and professionals whose purpose is to promote the prevention of sexual abuse while preserving the safety and dignity of all citizens through carefully structured laws targeting the truly violent, forced, and/or dangerous predatory acts of sex. FAC believes that many aspects of the current approach to sex offenders seriously undermine justice and actually increase the threat of sexual assault against others, particularly children. FAC opposes a publicized registry of sex offenders and seeks to bring an end to the humiliation of people who have already paid for their crimes. FAC asserts that only by supporting justice for all people—offenders and victims alike can a truly safe society be built and secured for all Americans.

Is Our Approach to Sex Offender Risk and Policy on the Mark?

Posted on May 28, 2014 in Articles

http://floridaactioncommittee.org/is-our-approach-to-sex-offender-risk-and-policy-on-the-mark/

Source

By Michelle Beshears, professor of criminal justice at American Military University
 

Sex offender registration laws and policies appear to have been based on popular misconceptions regarding sex offenders. That is, law and policy were based on the premise that ALL sex offenders are a danger to society, a danger to children, strangers to their victims, and likely to reoffend (Levenson & D’Amora, 2007).

However, this is not the case.

In some states where laws have been applied retroactively, persons who have been charged with indecent exposure (such as urinating in public) have been required to register as a sex offender (Freeman-Longo, 2001). Additionally, several teenagers have been found guilty of the recent trend of “sexting” and must now register as sex offenders. The problem is, not all sexual offenders have committed sexual crimes against children, yet the majority of the laws are focused on protecting children from sex offenders.

The Need for Better Risk Assessment Strategies

Most policy initiatives have not incorporated risk assessment strategies into their programs. Instead, they are applied broadly to all sex offenders. This flaw has been acknowledged and risk assessment has been included in more recent studies (Parent, Guay, & Knight, 2011). Additionally, the percentage of recidivism rates of sex offenders have been relatively low, as only a small percentage of convicted sex offenders have returned to prison because of committing additional sex crimes (Bonnar-Kidd, 2010; Galeste, Fradella, & Vogel, 2012).

In a three-year follow-up study of sex offenders in 15 states, the rate of recidivism was about 5.3% (Galeste et al., 2012). This has been compared to recidivism rates over a three-year study of other crimes; offenders who committed burglary recidivated 74%, larceny 75%, and theft 70% (Galeste et al., 2012).

Increased Restrictions Foster Unanticipated Issues
Despite these findings, restrictions for sex offenders have expanded even further since the implementation of the first sex registration and notification laws. Many states have now enacted housing restriction statutes and zoning ordinances (Schiavone & Jeglic, 2009). These statutes have prohibited sex offenders from living in areas that are within a specific proximity of children (Schiavone & Jeglic, 2009). State laws have specified that sex offenders are forbidden to live in areas where children congregate, such as schools, daycare centers, parks, and school bus stops (Schiavone & Jeglic, 2009). This has prevented sex offenders from living in many areas.

Some states have imposed such severe restrictions that it has left a large number of sex offenders homeless (Bonnar-Kidd, 2010). For example, Proposition 83 is a law passed in California that prohibits sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of a school or park (Bonnar-Kidd, 2010). The reason for the passing of Proposition 83 was because California was reported to have the greatest population of repeat sex offenders (RSOs) and subsequently, this proposition would allow for improved tracking and apprehension of them (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, 2010). Subsequently, approximately 2,700 sex offenders were forced to move, and many ended up homeless (Bonnar-Kidd, 2010).

Enhanced Legislation Increases Number of Offenders, But is it Fair and Accurate?

The result of increased legislation has had an impact on the number of sex offenders in the national and state registries. The number of sex offenders living in the United States has increased greatly over the past few years. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children survey of sex offenders for 2012 showed that there were approximately 747,408 RSOs living in the U.S. Those numbers increased from the 2011 survey, which indicated an estimated 739,853 living in the U.S. (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, News and Events, 2012).

The numbers have continued to rise each year, but an even more disturbing issue is the number of unaccounted sex offenders (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, News and Events, 2012). In 2007, there were approximately 100,000 RSOs who were unaccounted for or noncompliant in terms of registering and as of January 2012, there were more than 31,000 noncompliant or fugitive sex offenders (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, News and Events, 2012).
While these numbers may be a cause for concern, what is more concerning is the number of offenders who should probably not even be on the registry to begin with. Another consideration is the lives that may have been unjustly affected in a negative way as a result of this policy. Lastly, the mandate is costly and man-hour intensive, so researchers are calling for an examination of more evidence-based practices with regard to the treatment of sex offenders.

Florida Action Committee (FAC), founded in 2006, is a state-wide consortium of concerned citizens and professionals whose purpose is to promote the prevention of sexual abuse while preserving the safety and dignity of all citizens through carefully structured laws targeting the truly violent, forced, and/or dangerous predatory acts of sex. FAC believes that many aspects of the current approach to sex offenders seriously undermine justice and actually increase the threat of sexual assault against others, particularly children. FAC opposes a publicized registry of sex offenders and seeks to bring an end to the humiliation of people who have already paid for their crimes. FAC asserts that only by supporting justice for all people—offenders and victims alike can a truly safe society be built and secured for all Americans.

California RSOL files lawsuit against against another city.

Posted by on May 28, 2014 in Featured Articles 

http://floridaactioncommittee.org/california-rsol-files-lawsuit-against-against-another-city/

The City of Stockton’s sex offender ordinance was challenged today in federal district court.  The ordinance prohibits all registered citizens from loitering in or within 300 feet of public parks, libraries, and swimming pools as well as privately owned video arcades and recreational areas.

“This is the tenth ordinance to be challenged in ten weeks,” stated CA RSOL president Janice Bellucci.  “It is our hope that all cities and counties that have similar ordinances will soon choose to repeal their ordinances which violate both the state and federal constitutions.”

The first lawsuit in the series of ten lawsuits filed which challenge city or county ordinances was a challenge against the City of Pomona (March 24).  The next eights lawsuits to be filed challenged ordinances adopted by the City of South Lake Tahoe (March 31), National City (April 4), Carson (April 11), Lompoc (April 21), Sacramento County (April 30), Santa Ana (May 7), Wasco (May 16), and Ontario (May 21).

Settlement negotiations, which include repeal of the challenged ordinance and attorneys fees, have begun with three of the ten cities against whom lawsuits have been filed.  In addition, more than 20 cities including Anaheim, Tustin, El Centro, Porterville, and Claremont have repealed or agreed to repeal their sex offender ordinances without being sued.

Florida Action Committee (FAC), founded in 2006, is a state-wide consortium of concerned citizens and professionals whose purpose is to promote the prevention of sexual abuse while preserving the safety and dignity of all citizens through carefully structured laws targeting the truly violent, forced, and/or dangerous predatory acts of sex. FAC believes that many aspects of the current approach to sex offenders seriously undermine justice and actually increase the threat of sexual assault against others, particularly children. FAC opposes a publicized registry of sex offenders and seeks to bring an end to the humiliation of people who have already paid for their crimes. FAC asserts that only by supporting justice for all people—offenders and victims alike can a truly safe society be built and secured for all Americans.

Cops Busting Cops

May 22, 2014 in True Confessions |

Disclaimer: JEV is currently a Florida based RSO. These are personal viewpoints and are not be used as Legal information in any Court of Law. “True Confessions” is a column designed to give out constructed information as well as criticism in the fight for reformation of Sex Offender Laws.

http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2014/5/21/operation_spring_cle.html

See Link for another big Sex Sting Bust
Cops Busting Cops

I have been required now for the last 5 years to list not only my e-mail accounts with the FDLE but also if you have any IM (Instant Messaging) Accounts.

The FDLE gives you a Username and Password for your first Visit to this ultra secure Website and then you can adjust the Security and Add the information required.

The public cannot gain or has access to this website.

Once that information is added, it goes into the DOC database and when we go for our BI or Quarterly Visits to our Sheriff’s Office, we are asked to verify the information we have put on the FDLE Website.

Now, once the FDLE by Law has your IM Account Information they can use it to gain access and send messages etc, As I have discussed before, I have disabled all my Messaging Software on all my Computers, Devices etc. so therefore its impossible to set me up for one of these IM Stings. Although I still do use TXT messaging on my Smart Phone.
 

The bottom line is that RSO’s once their e-mail and IM accounts are registered with FDLE, I have to assume that we have knowledge of these Cops posing as young people and using IM accounts to entrap. But it looks like I may be wrong to conclude this as this recent Volusia County Sting busted a x-cop from Jacksonville. How is the world would you not know this is a sting if you yourself is a Law Enforcement Officer?
 

I realize this is confusing.. but every RSO in Florida needs to understand the technology behind entrapment by these stings. We need to make damn sure that if we get a invitation for a date by a minor and are asked to be involved sexually and you say “YES”, you have just committed a 3rd degree felony even without showing up at the fake Location for a encounter. Volusia County is going crazy with this stuff and nothing is being done to challenge the Privacy Issues as well as your Civil Rights within the Use of the Internet.
 

And as many of you have written; We are looking for legit adult dating services and all of a sudden the adults are not adults anymore.
 

I see no end, do you?
 

But I wanted to point out that RSO’s by Law in Florida already must report their E-Mail and IM Accounts and Twitter or aliases Names you use must be reported now as well.

Links of Interest: May 2014

Should young sex offenders be identified that way for life?

Newsworks.org

The challenge to the current registratrion requirements has brought more attention to the issue of juvenlie sex offenders — some of them are as young ...

 

Saturday letters: Sex offenders, moving crude

Chron.com

The main goal of this agency is to keep track of sex offenders released into the community. ... Bakken Crude was being transported, with the latest being "Government issues emergency order on crude oil trains" (Page B7, Thursday).

 

Jamaica Observer

Registry for sex offenders getting closer, Bunting says

Jamaica Observer

The registry, which was established in relation to the Sexual Offences Act of 2009, has also been delayed due to a number of issues, including the ...

 

Recent attack on child shows issues with sex offender registries

KOKI FOX 23

Recent attack on child shows issues with sex offender registries ... FOX23 reported on Sunday that police arrested convicted sex offender Kyle ...

 

Fletcher: Need to change sex offender registry requirements

Casper Star-Tribune Online

There is no need for 15- to 22-year-olds to register as sex offenders, and be scarred for life ... That becomes their problem and deserve what they get.

 

 

 

 

Neo-Nazi Couple Sentenced To Life In Prison For Killing Sex Offender & Wife

The Sex Offender Registry (It's time for a discussion)

Sex Offender Intimidation & Extortion

Stand Up and Be Heard – The Progressive RSO

May 19, 2014 in True Confessions

The question is, as a RSO are you willing to be in the public eye and fight for reformation of these Laws that are in effect subjecting us to a life of living hell? Are you mad as hell and can’t take it anymore?

http://floridaactioncommittee.org/stand-up-and-be-heard-the-progressive-rso/

Megan's Law & Sex Offender Registry

What is Megan's Law? Thanks to Megan's Law, passed by Congress in 1996 as an amendment to the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children's...

http://family-law.lawyers.com/child-abuse-and-neglect/megans-law-and-sex-offender-registry.html

Teen faces life in prison over hash brownies

A Texas teenager is facing five years to life in prison for allegedly baking and selling pot brownies.

 http://news.yahoo.com/life-in-prison-pot-hash-brownies-texas-150807587.html

Legal Changes for Registered Sex Offenders

• Georgia passed a new law that lessens restrictions on registered sex offenders
• Hundreds of people are being dropped from Ohio’s list of registered sex offenders because the state’s new sex offender law was ruled unconstitutional
• The US State Department didn’t know it could deny passports to convicted sex offenders

 http://criminal.lawyers.com/sexual-crimes/legal-changes-for-registered-sex-offenders.html

RSOL National: QUICK! We need YOUR HELP to lobby legislators!

Your financial support is urgently needed to help us attend two upcoming events. We would like to have booths at the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, which runs from July 29 through August 2, and at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Minneapolis from August 12 through August 15. These two events will provide us with a fantastic opportunity to promote our cause and share our message with lawmakers and attorneys from all over the nation, so it's extremely important for RSOL to be represented at both events!

RSOL is prepared to send our most experienced representatives. However, their attendance will require significant personal and financial sacrifices since they will have to take time off from work in order to attend both conferences. Leading our delegation will be Larry Neely (Admin Team, Chair of our Scarlet Legal Action Project, and Board member of RSOL-NM). Larry is the ideal person to lead RSOL’s delegation. With his extensive background in legislative advocacy and firm understanding of our particular area of interest, Larry knows how to present our core message of constitutional and civil rights to busy politicians and attorneys.

We must raise no less than $5000.00 to ensure our representatives' attendance at these critical conferences. Time is short, so your immediate consideration is requested. You can rest assured that we will do everything we can to keep costs down. However, the expenses for two representatives, which will include at least four nights at a hotel, four days of meals, and airfare will cost $1,200.00 for each event. An additional cost of $800 would allow one of our representatives full access to all the sessions at both events. Finally, renting the space and providing necessary materials for the exhibition area is expected to cost more than $2000.00 for both conferences.

We believe you want to see RSOL’s message delivered to the lawmakers and attorneys who will attend these important events. So, please give as generously and as quickly as you can. For your convenience, you can donate online. Please select “Presence at NCSL/NACDL” so that we can be sure to credit your gift appropriately. Or, if you prefer, you may send your checks today to RSOL, P.O. Box 36123, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87176. Write “NCSL/NACDL” on the subject line. 

Thank you for helping us help you.

The RSOL Admin Team

 http://nationalrsol.wildapricot.org/Default.aspx?pageId=1836633

Another registrant has been murdered in Florida, just hours after registering.

May 16, 2014 in Featured Articles, Press 

Norman Bill Williams, 59, was killed by Bobby J. Bullock, Jr., 46, this past Saturday, just hours after registering as a Sexual Predator in Franklin County.

The Apalachicola & Carrabelle Times reports that the registrant, “…attracted widespread media attention in Sept. 2011, when he fled the woods outside Eastpoint after being released there from a stint in state prison. Because he was a sexual predator who had been shunned by his family, Williams had no place else he could legally stay, so probation officials placed a tracker on Williams’ leg and told him to remain in the woods. He shed the device, and fled.” (source)

The Florida Action Committee does not condone the crime that led to Williams’ registration requirement or his fleeing (which led to an additional two years imprisonment for failure to register). However, FAC condemns the action of the probation department in sending him to go live in the woods and naturally we condemn his murder.
One must wonder whether Williams would have had a possibility of returning to a functional life if he had a stable place to live and any chance of finding employment. Also, whether he would still be alive today.

The Florida Action Committee also condemns the comments posted beneath the article applauding this individual’s murder. Ashley Sikes of Panama City writes, “Bullock should have a national holiday named after him. Bullock Day!!”  Sabrina Brooks of Fort Pierce  writes, “Bobby Bullock Jr. you are my hero!” What kind of a society do we live in that applauds the murder of anyone?

Florida Action Committee (FAC), founded in 2006, is a state-wide consortium of concerned citizens and professionals whose purpose is to promote the prevention of sexual abuse while preserving the safety and dignity of all citizens through carefully structured laws targeting the truly violent, forced, and/or dangerous predatory acts of sex. FAC believes that many aspects of the current approach to sex offenders seriously undermine justice and actually increase the threat of sexual assault against others, particularly children. FAC opposes a publicized registry of sex offenders and seeks to bring an end to the humiliation of people who have already paid for their crimes. FAC asserts that only by supporting justice for all people—offenders and victims alike can a truly safe society be built and secured for all Americans.