I just got notification by mail from the police that a sex offender has moved into my Apt. Complex

[bamademo]

How can they let that happen. He's in the building across the road from me. He raped a 17 year old girl. I don't know if it was forced or statutory but I'm calling the complex tomorrow and bitching. I'm a former rape victim and I don't appreciate this one bit.

This is a really nice complex. Does anyone know any of the law about this?

[Justitia]

1. Why don't you first call the police to find out the particulars of the case? -eom

[LeftyMom]

2. Doesn't the guy have to live somewhere?

:shrug:

[Ghost in the Machine]

3. Yes... but child rapists should be living in cemetaries...

just sayin'....

[bamademo]

4. Not in my complex with underaged girls running around.

He's convicted of rape! What else do you need to know?

[uppityperson]

7. As you said, you don't know what "rape" means here.

Check with the police as there are all sorts of degrees of sexual offenses and offenders.

[LeftyMom]

10. Did he serve his time?

If a murderer moved in next to you, or a drug dealer, or the head of a car theft ring, nobody'd tell you.

This is a visceral fear reaction, and those lead people to dangerous, stupid decisions. You're no safer, more or less, than you were when you got this notice. Stranger rapes are rare, most rapists don't get caught, fewer still serve time. There are probably quite a few rapists living near you, as there would be anywhere on the planet, unfortunately.

[sarcasmo]

145. According to many on this board serving ones time doesn't mean anything, anymore.

[Divine Discontent]

168. I can only imagine the horror of being assaulted that way, or any other way, but...

some have such a blood lust that it's scary. It's as if they think people should just be shot on sight the moment they're declared guilty. That is creepy, sorry... their evil or sinful or hateful acts are not OK, we KNOW that, but to snuff a life is something I don't think we have the right to do - we should be above the evil/hateful/sinful types who assault or murder others - it's a noble act and I'm sure it's horribly hard to do - but many out there believe it's the right way to live.

I hope more DUers would realize that's the way to live.

[SoCalNative]

13. He could have been convicted of a statuatory rape

which would have most likely been consensual sex between the parties but the girl wasn't 18 yet and he was 18 or over.

Until you have all the facts it's not really fair to get bent out of shape.

[mzmolly]

32. I don't think notification laws apply to statutory

rape?

[uppityperson]

51. Depends on the state.

[gollygee]

52. See #44

they do at least some places.

[mzmolly]

61. I misunderstood the broad definition of statutory rape.

I did not see one case in the list provided that would meet the criteria of and 18 y/o and a 16 y/o engaging in consensual sex.

[gollygee]

67. How could you tell?

I didn't see that it gave that much information. It had "second degree" and "class C", which sound less serious than "1st degree". Do you have some kind of link or something showing that those kinds of cases are not included?

[PeaceNikki]

73. I saw "sodomy" on there, too.

:eyes:

[gollygee]

76. Yeah, I noticed that too

and that's an example of how this could be different from one area to the next, depending on the level of intelligence of the people setting up the laws and lists. A sex offender list that includes sodomy? Come on.

[mzmolly]

86. Does that mean one is not a sex offender?

:eyes:

[gollygee]

88. Does that alone mean one is?

The whole point is that the lists don't give enough information to tell who is really a threat. If I see "sodomy" listed by someone's name and not "rape" or "forced", that doesn't sound threatening to me.

[mzmolly]

143. Depends upon the circumstances.

I know of a convicted rapist in my state, who committed a rape by force, of a younger family friend. He is not on a notification list as he's not deemed "likely to reoffend."

[PeaceNikki]

89. No. It means you can end up required to register if you stick it in his/her pooper.

[uppityperson]

91. you are so much more direct than I.

I tire. Thank you.

[mzmolly]

98. Sodomy laws

cover more than "poopers." And, I think you're oversimplifying the notification laws as well?

[PeaceNikki]

102. You're right, they cover mouth, tongue, hand or anus

How silly of me.

http://www.sodomy.org/laws/missouri/definitions.html

[uppityperson]

105. No, that is simply "Deviate sexual intercourse", not "sodomy"

I don't see the term "sodomy" there. Just a bunch of "deviate" type intercourse.

omg, I'm a deviant.

[uppityperson]

103. What else do sodomy laws cover?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

106. In practice- gay sex.

[uppityperson]

109. I'm hetero but I guess I'm a deviate too

Looking up to post #102 and the definitions there.

I know. Outlaw "deviate" sex and only "deviates" will have that type sex. Or at least it makes it damn sight easier to get them deviants. Makes me sick. Still waiting for mzmolly to answer.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

110. Everybody commits sodomy as these laws defined it.

But it was used to selectively prosecute homosexuals. Or any 'undesirable' I suppose.

[mzmolly]

114. Look it up.

;)

[uppityperson]

148. You make claims, then tell me to look it up. How about you simply explain wtf you are talking about?

[mzmolly]

151. I was having a discussion with another person who knew the subject matter.

If you look through the thread you'll find the info you seek. If you have access to google, you'll find it.

[uppityperson]

154. Nope, can't read what you mean by researching. How about you tell me?

Or is that just too difficult?

[mzmolly]

161. I believe

you misinterpret what I was trying to communicate? What I attempted to say (and others apparently understood this) is that sodomy laws can apply to a variety of sex acts, some consensual, some not.

[uppityperson]

163. Asking for clarification is "misinterpreting"? Thanks for clarifying.

I do prefer to ask people what they mean rather than just assuming I know since my mind reading skills have diminished over the yrs. Thank you for clarifying for me.

[mzmolly]

165. I thought that you sounded

combative thus my assertion that you misinterpreted? Perhaps I have as well?

Peace

[uppityperson]

171. I prefer to clarify before jumping on someones case.

[mzmolly]

172. Ahhhh.

.

[uppityperson]

173. Yeah, communicating online can be difficult.

We all have different assumptions that we don't even know about. Communicating online adds the lack of facial/body clues, and can be difficult to tell how someone means something, or even what the words mean as many words and phrases can have different meanings, depending on the situation.

Something I might take as obvious, you might not, and the same in reverse. It is easier talking with family members or long time friends as you can start from a basis where you have the same assumptions and don't have to explain as many things that seem obvious.

So, I like to double check before reacting, or at least try. I apologize if I came off snarky doing so. I need to take more time to explain the above when I ask for clarification rather than assuming that the person I'm replying to understands.

(Huh, fox just got hit with a fist-bump pie up top the page.)

[uppityperson]

90. Why differentiate between vaginal, oral or anal rape? Why between rape and sodomy?

You do know that some places sodomy is illegal, even between consenting adults?

[mzmolly]

94. I did know that, but I have yet to see where neighbors are notified under

predatory offender laws under such a circumstance?

[uppityperson]

101. Read the list in link #44. Answer me please though. Why differentiate?

Sodomy is a sex offense, so notification is required. Why list it separately from "regular" sex offenses?

[mzmolly]

112. Why ask me? I quoted

a website. I did not indicate that I favored sodomy laws.

Here is detailed info: http://www.atsa.com/ppOffenderFacts.html

About half of the states in the U.S. assign offenders to one of three risk levels and notify the public differentially according to the offender’s risk. Other states employ broad community notification, publicizing the location of all sex offenders without regard for risk assessment (Matson & Lieb, 1996).

I live in a state that requires notification when an offender is deemed "likely to reoffend."

[gollygee]

116. Yes but you were presenting this as though it were standard

Obviously there are plenty of sex offender lists that don't assess individual risk. Which makes them much less meaningful. I only want to see people listed if they are a threat to me or my family.

[mzmolly]

123. In Alabama 16 is the age of consent, so if a 17 year old victim is involved

it's a fairly safe bet that this person is a threat.

[gollygee]

127. What happens

if someone commits a crime in one state and then moves to another? Are the people in the state that the person moved to notified as well? If so, he could have committed a statutory rape crime against a 17-year-old in one state and then moved there.

[mzmolly]

128. I believe Alabama laws would apply in such a case?

:shrug: Also, I'm not aware of any state where the age of consent is over 16, though I can't say for certain.

[gollygee]

130. Well, in Michigan it's 17

so this case wouldn't have been statutory rape here either, but the age does vary from state to state and it could be 18 in some states.

And I don't know about the first part - it seems to me that if they're convicted in another state, that state's conviction would follow them as is. But I'm not sure either.

[mzmolly]

134. I read that Michigan is also 16?

:shrug:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ages_of_consent_in_North_America#Michigan

[PeaceNikki]

131. Many of these same states also explicitly state that a husband cannot be convicted of

forcible rape of his wife.

Just because one is not on the "list" doesn't mean they aren't offenders.

[mzmolly]

136. That's not quite my understanding.

http://www.familyshelterservice.org/pdf/wife_rape.pdf

What Legal Rights do Married Women Have Regarding Wife Rape?
Today, it is a crime in all 50 states (and federal lands) for a husband to rape his wife.

[PeaceNikki]

137. I don't think so. I have a link, too.

http://www.sodomy.org/laws/missouri/

In Missouri, married persons cannot file complaints for rape (566.030) and are considered property that always consents to sexual use. Married persons also cannot file complaints for forcible sodomy.

And another - in fact this text is also in your link:
http://www.musc.edu/vawprevention/research/wiferape.shtml
What Legal Rights do Married Women Have Regarding Wife Rape?

Today it is a crime in all 50 states (and federal lands) for a husband to rape his wife. However, according to the National Clearinghouse on Marital and Date Rape (see Resource List), as of March 1996, only 17 states and the District of Columbia have completely abolished the marital rape exemption (which precludes a husband from being charged with rape of his wife in certain situations, or limits the seriousness of the offense with which a husband could be charged). Marital privileges are extended to unmarried cohabitants in some states.

[mzmolly]

138. You indicated that it was not a crime in various states to use force

in raping one's wife which is simply not so.

While spousal rape is now considered a crime, victims often have to overcome additional legal hurdles to prosecution not present for other victims of rape. These include time limits for reporting the offense, a requirement that force or threat of force be used by the offender, and the fact that some sexual assault offenses still preclude spousal victims.

http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32701

Had you said there were unjust, additional legal hurdles for married women, I'd agree.

[uppityperson]

149. "Just because one is not on the "list" doesn't mean they aren't offenders. " Very true.

[Magrittes Pipe]

104. Lawrence v. Texas.

Anti-sodomy laws have been struck down as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Anyone listed on a registry as a "sodomy" convict can sue the state.

[uppityperson]

107. the link in #44 is for Missouri though.

[Magrittes Pipe]

167. Lawrence v. Texas was a Supreme Court case that established the precedent...

...that sodomy laws are unconstitutional.


edit: that means in the entire country.

[uppityperson]

170. For whole country? That is great. About time. thanks. eom

[mzmolly]

79. See here:

Wiki gives an example of Texas law, which I would think would be more conservative than many other states?

Laws vary<11> in their definitions of statutory rape. It is generally intended to punish heinous cases of an adult taking sexual advantage of a minor. Thus, many jurisdictions prohibit allowing a juvenile to be tried as an adult under this law (most jurisdictions have separate provisions for child molestation or forcible rape which can be applied to juveniles and for which a minor can be tried as an adult). Some jurisdictions also specify a minimum difference in age in order for the offense to be applicable. Under such terms, if the adult is, for instance, less than three years older than the minor, no crime has been committed or the penalty is far less severe. These are called "Romeo and Juliet" laws.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statutory_rape

[PeaceNikki]

81. It's not. It's listed there because it's specifically an exception.

[mzmolly]

93. I did not see that? In fact the paragraph I noted says that

"It is generally intended to punish heinous cases of an adult taking sexual advantage of a minor."

[gollygee]

96. Two things

1. What constitutes "heinous" will vary from one person to another.

2. They might be intended to do that, but that doesn't mean some people aren't put on the list simply to punish them or to make a judge up for re-election look tough on crime.

[mzmolly]

115. That could be. I would prefer to see a general standard

followed in all 50 states. I think we're coming from different places because the laws vary?

[gollygee]

117. It could be

I am not opposed to sex offender registries by any means. But they have to actually mean something, and for that to happen they have to have some kind of realistic standards so I know if someone is listed that person is a threat to me or my kids. If that person is not a threat, I don't need to worry about them and I don't want to see them included.

[mzmolly]

121. I agree. However in looking at the laws in Alabama (the state in question)

it's not likely statutory rape as I just read that 16 is the age of consent.

[gollygee]

122. No not likely then

in that case.

[gollygee]

82. Yeah but Romeo and Juliet laws don't account for the potential

of a 21-year-old and a 17-year-old. I don't need that on a list to keep me and my kids safe. I only want real threats. There are plenty of things that can end up on a list like that where the person isn't a serious threat. Miley Cyrus' model boyfriend would be on this list.

[uppityperson]

84. The link in 44 you have been referred to is Clay County, Missouri, not TX.

[mzmolly]

119. There is a section on Texas as well. Sorry can't copy it all as my laptop will not cooperate.

It begins - "An example is Texas Penal Code, Section 22.011(e). It provides an affirmative defense to a charge of sexual assault if all of the following apply:"

[uppityperson]

78. Ages weren't listed so how could you tell? You must have more info than I do.

Link?

[mzmolly]

124. The OP said the victim was 17. 16 is the age of consent in Alabama.

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2003/olrdata/jud/rpt/2003-R-0376.htm

[uppityperson]

147. your reply was to mine to you about the link in #44

[Alexander]

65. You can be charged with a sex crime for statutory. So, yes they do.

[mzmolly]

139. You're correct. Though that is not the case in the OP's story.

The victim in this case is 17, and statutory rape isn't often as benign as it sounds.

[Alexander]

142. I'm not saying it was.

We don't know the details. To claim otherwise is ridiculous.

"and statutory rape isn't often as benign as it sounds."

You're saying a crime with the word "rape" in it sounds "benign"? :wtf:

[mzmolly]

144. I'm saying that the description of such an event varies greatly

depending upon the state and the statues. At times it's a consensual act between an 18 y/o and a 15 y/o. At other times it involves abusing a mentally challenged person in ones care etc...

[realisticphish]

14. he's out of prison

according to the state, he's served his sentence. complain to them if you want sentences to be longer, but the guy has to live somewhere if he's out of prison. are people convicted of grand theft auto not allowed to live near a road?

sorry if i offend you, i'm not trying to trivialize rape, but he has served his time, and that's that.

and, what more do i need to know, what if it was consensual sex when he was 21 and she was 17? of course it's still illegal, and that's a whole different issue, but the severity of the crime should most certainly impact your opinion on the matter. life is not black and white.

[PeaceNikki]

20. And as I said below, I think that this mandatory registration is terrible.

It should be at the judge's discretion.

[mzmolly]

34. I think it's necessary.

I'm much more concerned with potential victims than I am those who commit rape.

[PeaceNikki]

41. Ah. And I'm concerned with justice in a society.

If a person is a danger to society, they should be locked up, not among us with a scarlet letter.

[mzmolly]

49. Given that Xanadu does not exist

notification laws are the next best thing.

[uppityperson]

That depends on what got them the "sex offender" label.

Was it someone having consensual sex with an underage minor, partners but 2 yrs apart in age? Was it violence as sex? It depends.

[PeaceNikki]

59. And this is why I think registration should be at the discretion of a judge.

[uppityperson]

62. I agree.

[brentspeak]

92. Are you nuts?

Who gives a crap about a sexual offender having to be registered as a sex offender? You're worried about the "poor, oppressed" sex offender?

[uppityperson]

97. Define "sexual offender".

17 yr old having consensual sex with 15 yr old friend? Violence disguised as sex? Define it. There are differences and some need registration and some don't.

[PeaceNikki]

108. No. Not nuts. But thanks for caring about my well-being.

:hug:

[emilyg]

157. Looking out for any future victims is wrong?

[anigbrowl]

146. A lot. your emotional reaction isn't the whole story.

I'm sorry because it's obviously such a painful subject, but nevertheless it doesn't give you the right to call the shots on everyone else.

[JVS]

152. What we need to know is why your complex is of such a nature that he should live somewhere else.

Are there complexes with no underage girls running around?

[uppityperson]

5. What law do you mean? About criminals after they are released from prison?

About notification of sex offender living in the area? What law do you mean?

[Jacobin]

6. There are 8 or 9 within a few blocks of me

Keep in mind that in this crazed country we call america, that if you were a college student caught 'streaking', if you were 18 and had sex with a girl who lied and said she was 17 but was really only 16, if you are at Mardi Gras and get caught peeing behind a bush, you are a registered sex offender.
the websites don't specify what the charge is in my state.

Don't panic

[noamnety]

27. 14 by me.

and 12 within a few blocks of the school where I work. After browsing the data base, I think it's unlikely I could find a place to leave that isn't dotted with sex offenders, which makes sense when you consider how many women have been assaulted.

[PeaceNikki]

29. And, as you wisely pointed out below, there are a LOT that have not been reported.

If I advocated fear, I'd say that those are the ones we need to be scared of. However, I don't advocate fear.

[Liberal In Texas]

8. It might be nice if you found out why they've tagged him as a sex offender before you go off

half-cocked. Maybe he was 19 and she was 17 and it was consensual.

Besides, he's out of jail and presumably not a threat to society. Like another poster above said, he's got to live somewhere.

[mzmolly]

36. Notification laws generally involve "likely to reoffend" and statutory

would not apply. :shrug:

[gollygee]

44. Here's an exampe

of a sex offender list where people convicted of statutory rape are listed: http://www.claycogov.com/county/offices/sheriff/offender_reg1.php?sort=city

Google "statutory rape sex offender list" and you'll find tons.

[mzmolly]

55. They may be classified as likely to reoffend?

http://www.answers.com/topic/statutory-rape

The criminal offense of statutory rape is committed when an adult sexually penetrates a person who, under the law, is incapable of consenting to sex. Minors and physically and mentally incapacitated persons are deemed incapable of consenting to sex under rape statutes in all states. These persons are considered deserving of special protection because they are especially vulnerable due to their youth or condition.

Also age difference plays a role. Sorry, I'm not concerned with the rapists, personally.

[uppityperson]

56. That is where you are wrong. Statutory does apply.

[mzmolly]

64. True, in cases where it likely

should. I was using the examples of statutory rape given in this thread, which were not likely to generate prison time, let alone notification.

[gollygee]

111. Here's what I've found, checking that out

http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/

The Sex Offender Registry was created in response to the Illinois Legislature's determination to facilitate access to publicly available information about persons convicted of sex offenses. ISP has not considered or assessed the specific risk of re-offense with regard to any individual prior to his or her inclusion on this Registry and has made no determination that any individual included in the Registry is currently dangerous. Individuals included on the Registry are included solely by virtue of their conviction record and Illinois state law. The primary purpose of providing this information is to make the information easily available and accessible, not to warn about any specific individuals.

http://www.ct.gov/dps/cwp/view.asp?a=2157&q=294474

The registry is based on the legislature’s decision to facilitate access to publicly available information about persons convicted of sexual offenses. The Department of Public Safety has not considered or assessed the specific risk of re-offense with regard to any individual prior to his or her inclusion within this registry, and has made no determination that any individual included in the Registry is currently dangerous. Individuals included within the registry are included solely by virtue of their conviction record and state law. The main purpose of providing this data on the Internet is to make the information more easily available and accessible, not to warn about any specific individual.


That's two states with very similar wording. I doubt that's a coincidence. It is likely pretty standard.

[mzmolly]

125. It's about 50/50. However again, given the age of consent in Alabama

is 16, I think we can rule out consensual activity?

[PeaceNikki]

9. He should be wearing a scarlet letter for life.

[cliffordu]

23. If it was forcible rape, a face brand would do.

[TheWraith]

39. Edit: On reading more I realize you're being sarcastic. Sorry. nt

[mzmolly]

42. Most rape victims are impacted

for life.

[PeaceNikki]

45. If the offender is a risk, they should be in jail.

If not and they've paid their debt, they should be left to live.

[mzmolly]

47. Paying a so called debt does not mean they're less likely

to rape again.

[uppityperson]

60. You seem to be using a narrow definition of "rape" and "sex offender".

and yes, I have been violently raped. It depends on the crime.

[mzmolly]

68. Laws generally do take the crime into consideration.

"Likely to reoffend" is the criteria in my state.

[uppityperson]

71. Do you believe someone convicted of a sex offense should be locked up until they aren't "likely to

reoffend"?

[mzmolly]

126. Do you believe that we should eliminate notification laws?

n/t.

[uppityperson]

153. Do you believe answering a question with another is an answer?

Do you believe someone convicted of a sex offense should be locked up until they aren't "likely to reoffend"?

by the way, putting n/t in the message box is rather funny, since "n/t" means no text in message area, and by putting n/t there you have put text there.

[mzmolly]

158. Do you believe that you're

asking a question in response to a question while chastening me for doing so makes sense?

I'm aware of what n/t means. I'm sorry you don't care for how I chose to use it.

[uppityperson]

160. I bow to your obviously superior wisdom.

I really don't give a rat's ass about how you use it, just passing on a helpful hint to make using the forum easier. :hi: :grouphug: :patriot:

[mzmolly]

162. As you should.

;)

:pals:

[PeaceNikki]

155. Perhaps

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695262647,00.html?pg=1

"It's the modern-day scarlet letter," he said. Skordas said he doesn't think the registry works at all. The only good aspect he can come up with, and sarcastically at that, is, "So you know who to hide from?"

But some, including those who keep tabs on sex offenders inside and outside prison, see it as an unfair burden on men trying to assimilate into society. It hinders their ability to find housing and jobs. It also might give residents a false sense of security.

Adult Probation and Parole supervisor Jeremy Shaw said the sex offender registry is good for the public, but it can lead to perpetrators being isolated and alienated.

"We're not doing them any good in the long run because we're setting these guys up for failure," he said.

"We don't have a murderers registry. We don't have an armed robbers registry. We don't have violent assaults registry," he said. "But, my goodness, if an 18-year-old touches a 15-year-old on the breast, he could wind up on the registry.

[mzmolly]

164. "Jeremy Shaw said the sex offender registry is good for the public...."

My interest is in the protecting the public vs. the assisting perpetrators.

Though I appreciate your presenting an alternate view point for consideration.

I do feel that we need a standardized notification law across all 50 states as I have learned though this discussion that the laws by state vary greatly.

Peace

[PeaceNikki]

156. More

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/homepage/x875778572

``If we're going to rely on (laws) as a final solution, then I think we're whistling in the dark,'' Wooden said. ``These guys are so adept at getting around the laws. For every tough law we pass, we should pass more prevention funding, pure and simple.''

The program teaches children to heed their inner ``sirens,'' telling them, Wooden said, to ``trust that funny feeling in your belly.''

...

Critics such as professor Jill Levenson insist the sex offender registry needs paring down so law enforcement can focus on those who are truly dangerous.

``All sex offenders are not the same,'' she wrote in a study. And as long as state registries are full of low-level offenders and those who have led productive lives in the decades since their only arrest, the public can't know whether the registered offender in the neighborhood is a real problem, she said. ``Society should be protected from violent and repeat sexual predators, and stricter sentencing guidelines will help keep dangerous sex offenders away.''

[uppityperson]

159. Thank you for that. nt

[mzmolly]

169. I agree with the last

sentence.

[knitter4democracy]

11. Why not try the police first?

That way, you can find out what his crime was and then do what you need to do to feel safe. I can totally understand not feeling safe in this instance, but try getting more info first.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

12. He's got a right to live there.

Obviously the authorities are aware of the situation.

:shrug:

[uppityperson]

17. NIMBY?

I understand the concern, but it seems better to get more info directly.


Huh. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=137&topic_id=3733&mesg_id=3733

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

Yup. Clear cut case.

[PeaceNikki]

18. I agree and I hate this mandatory registration for life. It should be at the discretion of the judge

Not every case of equal and not every "sex offender" is what comes to mind when we hear that term. Not all are pedophiles and or/violent rapists.

I believe there are a good number of people who should be on the "list", but it's so muddied with this mandatory bullshit.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

22. Does more harm then good.

"Sex offenders" end up living under bridges, or in cardboard boxes. Don't get any psychological help. End up more likely to reoffend.

[mzmolly]

38. I have not seen any evidence that those who live in apartments are less likely to do so?

:shrug:

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

Canada has much lower recidivism rates.

Probably due to their much more progressive justice system, with a bigger emphasis on treatment.

[mzmolly]

69. Could be. But given we don't have such a system

we have to work with what we've got.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

72. Given we haven't got a good system...

the last thing we should be doing is going backwards.

[mzmolly]

129. Not sure it's backwards to notify

people that a rapist is moving in next door.

[uppityperson]

150. It depends on what the crime was.

round and round and round we go.

[mzmolly]

166. Indeed

round and round... ;)

[proud2BlibKansan]

15. So where do you propose this guy live?

[bamademo]

50. A halfway house away from me.

[uppityperson]

70. Maybe he has and this is the next step. You need more information.

It is ok to be concerned, but get more information. And yes, I have been violently raped. I know the concern. Find out more.

[proud2BlibKansan]

87. Maybe he has been in a halfway house and is now ready to live elsewhere

Maybe he just got caught having sex with his teenage girlfriend who is only a few years younger than he is. Maybe you need more facts before you leap to conclusions.

[brentspeak]

118. Using Alabama's sex offender listing website, I couldn't find any "statutory rape" type convictions

in the city of Huntsville. Everyone listed is a pretty bad customer (rape 1st, child molestation, child pornography, etc.) Check it out yourself:

http://community.dps.alabama.gov/Default.aspx

[rug]

16. Get information.

http://community.dps.alabama.gov/Pages/wfSexOffenderSearch.aspx

[proud2BlibKansan]

19. Do any of you remember that DUer from a couple years ago whose son was a sex offender?

It was a horrific story. He had been caught with his girlfriend. He was 16 or 17 and she was younger, just young enough for it to be date rape.

That story definitely put a different face on this sex offender crap.

[Stinky The Clown]

21. I have a rape victim in my own family. I'm sensitive to your concerns .... but ....

..... you really need to know what the person did. Not what the charges are. Was he just an 18 year old who had sex with his girlfriend, or is he an actual predator.

Again, I'm not insensitive. Just trying to help you not freak yourself out unnecessarily.

[noamnety]

24. I think you are overreacting.

1. People who are out of prison do have a right to live, and not just in a colony for ex-convicts for the rest of their life.

2. Most rapes aren't reported, most that are reported aren't prosecuted. Odds are, you ALREADY are living in an apartment complex with a rapist. No need to be MORE freaked out by this - if anything, you should be more concerned with the ones you don't know about. That's a big issue I have with the notification laws - the false assumption is that if you haven't received a notification about someone, you aren't living in proximity to a rapist. There are 14 registered sex offenders in my neighborhood - and I'd be willing to bet none of them are the idiots who were screaming sexist shit at my daughter every day when she was walking home from junior high.

3. The landlord probably doesn't have a legal case for refusing to rent to him without violating his civil rights. If that's true, then I am not sure what you are wanting from the landlord. I would sort that out first if you want it to be a productive call.

4. Overreacting is probably not the right word here, because really I don't know that you can "over"react to a rapist. But on a practical level, you don't know the background of all your neighbors; you should assume that some of them also have raped, either by force or statutory. You probably have friends guilty of statutory rape when they were younger. And you probably don't perceive them as a threat.

[adamuu]

31. that is an excellent point about the false sense of security

thanks for posting!

[adamuu]

25. he's gotta live somewhere. he's been sentenced to a LIFE of this kind of harrassment

I don't claim to know that he has been reformed... but he's not in jail anymore, right? Someone in the justice system must have thought it reasonable to free him, right? with onerous restrictions, apparently.

After you take a deep breath, what do you honestly propose? That he be executed? He has to live somewhere.

[bamademo]

26. I will call the police tomorrow and get the details.

Because of my past problem, I tend to freak. I've seen consenting homosexual men be labeled as sex offenders because of sodomy laws before the supreme court struck it down. But I think I have a problem with a guy who was 10 years older than his victim.

[Justitia]

58. I think that is a prudent idea. -eom

[gollygee]

28. I'd want more information before I got too worried

You don't know if he's a violent offender. Find out that first.

Have you read The Gift of Fear? The fact that you know this about him makes you safer around him than you are around other potential rapists, and there could be others in your complex who are greater threats because you aren't on alert status regarding them. I'd check out that book too.

I like the idea of the sex offender list, but it is very poorly done. It's used as a punishment rather than as a way to notify people. I don't need to know who was caught peeing outside, or what 21-year-old had a 17-year-old girlfriend. I'm glad statutory rape laws exist, but that person isn't a threat to me and I only want the names of people who did something that would make me think they are a threat to me or my children.

And finally, he has to live somewhere. Is your complex allowed to not lease to people who have served their sentences? I don't know what the laws are there, but he does have to live somewhere.

[bamademo]

43. He was 10 years older than his victim...that shows me a lack of judgement.

There is no information on the web about him yet so forgive me if I don't give him the benefit of the doubt. I have underage nieces.

[gollygee]

48. Yes I'd be worried about that

but the specifics still count. Like did he seduce his victim and enter inappropriate relationships with her (or potentially him) and then commit statutory rape? Or did he attack and violently rape his victim? If it's the former, warn your nieces and keep them from getting into situations where they'll meet him or converse with him.

[mzmolly]

140. The age of consent is 16 in Alabama.

Just an FYI.

[mzmolly]

30. Statutory would not require notification

to my understanding?

[TheWraith]

35. It depends on the local laws, I think. nt

[mzmolly]

40. Likely so, but I've never heard of a state that required notification

in cases of consensual, statutory situations.

[PeaceNikki]

54. Here's a list with a ton of statutory rapists.

http://www.pulaskicountyweb.com/sex.html

And Wiki indicates that there are registry requirements but some states set up "Romeo and Juliet laws" to eliminate or reduce the registration requirements:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statutory_rape

[mzmolly]

74. I was using the 18 y/o and 16 y/o example of statutory rape. It's highly unlikely that such a

scenario would result in prison time, let alone community notification.

[uppityperson]

80. How can you tell from that list? It has.

[mzmolly]

133. I've done further research on Alabama.

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2003/olrdata/jud/rpt/2003-R-0376.htm

http://www.moraloutrage.net/staticpages/index.php?page=Alabama

If this victim was 17, as noted in the OP, it was not a consensual situation.

[TheWraith]

33. The law allows it because everyone has to live somewhere.

Check the date on the conviction against his age, and what degree the crime was flagged as. Could tell you more about the circumstances.

[WhollyHeretic]

37. "nice complex"? what exactly does that mean?

[noamnety]

66. There's an interesting question. nt

[bamademo]

77. I live on a mountain across from land trust trails.

Here:

http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Alabama/Huntsville/Monte-Sano-Terrace-Apartments/PropertyOverview.aspx?listingid=22240

It's a very beautiful place. Across the street are wonderful Landtrust trails and they are big dog friendly. I was going to buy a house after I got rid of my ex who lives on top of Monte Sano but then the economy collapsed. So I'm another 2 years from buying a house.

[brentspeak]

100. Using that address under Alabama's sex offender search,

the state has yet to update the sex offender's new address:

http://community.dps.alabama.gov/Default.aspx

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

95. One that's not in a low income part of town, apparently.

[Name removed]

113. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[THUNDER HANDS]

46. at least you were notified

i suppose that's better than being unaware.

[KharmaTrain]

53. Very Mixed Emotions Here...

I have a close friend who was stupid...he was a high school teacher who got caught having sex with a 17 year old. To make a rather complex mess short, he was convicted of statuory rape and served 3 years in a state facility. In the wake, he lost his job (obviously) and will never be able to teach again (thank goodness), his wife filed for divorce and the news of the arrest and trial (reported in the papers) all but ruined his children...one dropped out of high school out of the shame.

I've known this person for the better part of 30 years...we partied back in the day and he was and is still like a brother to me, but I don't either forgive his crime nor accept his excuses for what happened. He claims it was consentual, but he was in his mid 40s when this happened and he knew not only the legal consequences but the impact it would have on his career and family. To me there will never be an excuse and he deserves the ostracism that resulted from his being caught.

That said...he did serve his time and since his release, he's had a real difficult time. Yes, he's a registered offender and when he was released he's constantly had to move from apartment to apartment...in one case it was because a young family moved with small children...while I'm all but certain he was no threat, the landlord didn't want to take any chances and he was evicted. His job opportunites came and went as well...a very smart guy who couldn't even get a Wally World greeters job or in almost any job involving dealing with the public. His world got very small, lonely and angry. There's not a day that goes by, not a place I'm sure he goes where his crime isn't still hung over his head.

As I say, I have mixed emotions here....my wife and I have always been involved with young people in the area and we've seen all sorts of child abuse...a vast majority of it being mental abuse or abandonment and any sexual abuse hits my zero tolerance button in a hurry. However, when is a crime fully served? When does one fully pay their debt? Can they ever truly rehabilitate when they're constantly forced to live with that crime being all that is said about a person?

No answers here, just observations...

[PeaceNikki]

63. And this is why I think registration should be at the discretion of a judge.

[psychmommy]

57. in nj we have 4 tiers.

the upper tiers are the notification tiers. these include repeat offenders and/or violent offenders. our state police have a website that includes the top 2 tiers w/photo's, address, cars w/the registration. see if you have a similar website in your state. i feel more empowered when i am armed with knowledge. i have a cousin who messed up and ended up w/a megan's law case and community supervision for life/yearly registration. it made him grow up and get himself together. some people actually learn the hard way, please keep that in mind also.

[stray cat]

75. Small concillation but you already probably have some in the immediate neighborhood

there are web sites where you can look it up and alot of neighborhoods have more convicted sex offenders than you would think.

[Breeze54]

83. As unsettling as that is, be grateful you KNOW where he is, unlike the other 30 you don't know about

At least you know who, where and why about this individual.

I'll bet there are a lot of sexually convicted perps living near you that you don't know about.

:hug:

[uppityperson]

85. Indeed. It is better to know where he is than not know.

[flvegan]

99. This thread has just about lived up to expectations.

[tjwash]

120. Has anyone advocated burying him up to his neck and stoning him yet?

Usually that's the directions these threads take...

[Liberal In Texas]

135. I'm about ready to hit the little box with the x in it.

[JVS]

132. People have to live somewhere.

[Gwendolyn]

141. So you don't live in New York...

...or you'd have to figure out the overlapping map of how many people seem to be dangerous versus not. :)

The only thing you can do is watch yourself, as always. :)