ReFORM Alabama's Sex Offender Laws!

First look at the newest sex crime legislation for 2012

2012-02-20T11:07:00.003-06:00

"Although the act is intended to promote the legitimate and compelling state interest of protecting minors from internet predators, the near total ban on Internet access imposed by the act unreasonably restricts many ordinary activities that have become important to everyday life in today’s world." -- US District Court Judge Brian Jackson, in a decision declaring Louisiana's internet ban unconstitutional.

I recently mentioned a proposed social networking ban (complete with sponsor Brooks's contact info to oppose the bill), but today, KLTV-7 reports the name of the new bill, SB 161, and Sen. Brooks is getting support from Mark Klaas of Klaas Kids in steamrolling this bill through legislation. In light of the recent federal decision striking down Louisiana's social networking ban, Alabama is merely setting itself up for a costly lawsuit.

More info on Internet laws in general: http://www.oncefallen.com/InternetLaws.html

A second bill, SB 148, "makes surveillance for sexual gratification an aggravating circumstance," which means they will be added to the state sex offender registry. I'm personally against the bill because it creates more registrants. Below is from an article discussing the bill. Notice the reporter claims it is "not illegal" to peep on others but then discusses it is a class B misdemeanor. The second is the "escalation" theory, which is no more true for sex addicts than cigarette/ pot smokers:

http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/story/Possible-Change-to-Peeping-Tom-Laws/kb1kL6elSESnljc_oP7Ahw.cspx

It may come as a surprise that "peeping" at people in inappropriate places is not illegal in Alabama. Watching someone can get you put in jail, but doing so for sexual gratification doesn't increase the penalty. State Senator Arthur Orr says this is a problem.

“Alabama has not done what a lot of our sister states here in the southeast have done which is really tighten the laws for voyeurism,” he explained. That is why Orr has introduced Senate Bill 148 which makes surveillance for sexual gratification an aggravating circumstance.

"Simple criminal surveillance is a Class B misdemeanor in Alabama which does not qualify for sex offender status,” explained Lieutenant John Crouch of the Decatur PD. “Anyone convicted of that regardless of the circumstances is not required to register as a sex offender.”

If the bill passes that will all change. Crouch says if offenders are forced to register it will be much easier for his department to keep the public safe.

"Anyone engaged in this sort of activity certainly has the potential to escalate to other activities and we feel this will better enable us to keep track of these individuals."

Here is a list of Senate Judiciary Committee Members:

JUDICIARYBrooks , Co-Chairperson; Ward, Co-Chairperson; Coleman, Fielding, Keahey, Orr , Smitherman, Taylor, Whatley, Williams, Brewbaker (President Pro Tempore Designee).

Below is Senator Orr's contact info:

SENATOR ARTHUR ORR (R)

3rd District
(Limestone, Madison, Morgan)

State House: Phone:	Room 730 State House 11 South Union Street Montgomery, Alabama 36130 (334) 242-7891	Business:	Post Office. Box 305 Decatur, Alabama 35602 (256) 260-2147
		Personal Website:	Senator Arthur Orr

Alabama looks to add email addresses and social networks IDs to registry

2012-02-18T17:58:00.001-06:00

I will add the bill whenever it is added to the "ALISON" legislation tracker, but below we already have some info on yet another idiotic bill. I wonder i this is just another way to just try to fill the state prisons even further, who may be looking to pimp out prison inmates to private businesses looking for more cheap labor. Come on vacation, leave on probation.

http://www.local15tv.com/news/local/story/Adding-Registering-Requirements-for-Sex-Offenders/OAm0ZotD-UK3NH0YFzkfCg.cspx

Adding Registering Requirements for Sex Offenders

Reported by: Andrea Ramey

Email: aramey@local15tv.com

MOBILE, Ala.) - Alabama lawmakers are considering legislation that would place more registering requirements for convicted sex offenders. State Senator Ben Brooks (R-Mobile) is sponsoring the bill that would make sex offenders register things like their email address and social media log-in names.

"This is a tool that we'll be able to use that we will be able to track them better," said Lori Myles with the Mobile County Sheriff's Office.

Myles says the laws that force sex offenders to register with local law enforcement agencies were written in a time when things like text messaging and Facebook didn't exist, and it's time the laws reflect how potential victims now are contacted.

"We are just now catching up with it. It was a playground for them, for a while," said Myles.

"So much communication takes place on the internet," said Child Advocacy Director Pay Guyton.

Guyton says this proposed law could prevent children from being victimized. He says if sex offenders provided their technology addresses, investigators would have a better idea of what to monitor and would be able to track what offenders are doing online.

"A lot of that can be traced if we have the correct address," said Guyton. "You go on a Facebook account, and someone posts something on your Facebook and says, 'I'm a 15 year old girl and I just want to know what other girls think about this.' And really it's a 65 year old sex offender. You have no way of knowing that. And it happens. Unfortunately, it happens all the time."

It goes without saying ReFORM-AL strongly opposes this bill.

Flood this Senator with opposition:

SENATOR BEN BROOKS
(R)

35th District
(Mobile)

State House: Phone: Fax:	Room 729 State House 11 South Union Street Montgomery, Alabama 36130 (334) 242-7882 (334) 353-8277	Business:
Home: Phone:	4953 Audubon Drive Mobile, Alabama 36619 (251) 666-7116

HB 137 will raise Age of Consent from 16 to 18

2012-02-11T18:45:00.002-06:00

The latestsex offense related bill in AL legislature:

http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ACTIONViewFrameMac.asp?TYPE=Instrument&INST=HB137&DOCPATH=searchableinstruments/2012RS/Printfiles/&PHYDOCPATH=//alisondb/acas/searchableinstruments/2012RS/PrintFiles/&DOCNAMES=HB137-int.pdf,,

HB 137: Increases age of consent from 16 to 18. What this does is increase the age one can be charged for statutory crimes. By the way the law is written, a teen couple 25 months apart can fall under the statute.

ReFORM-AL opposes this bill, it will increase the number of individuals placed on the registry for a "Romeo and Juliet" offense.

After more tornadoes, Jefferson County wastes taxpayer dollars on forcing displaced registrants to re-register

2012-01-31T21:26:00.002-06:00

Mike Hale, Jefferson Co. Sheriff

Jefferson county's sheriff Mike Hale is a major league asshole and pandering piece of crap, so this article does not surprise me. In light of a rare tornado in January, Mike Hale wants you to know he has more important things to do than protect you from thieves and others exploiting the storm, like making sure those victimized by the storm but are also on the registry are given further humiliation and threats of prison if they don't register immediately. What a sadistic SOB.

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2012/01/lawmen_track_registered_sex_of.html

Lawmen track registered sex offenders displaced by the storm

Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 12:12 PM Updated: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 12:22 PM

By Carol Robinson -- The Birmingham News

EnlargeBernard Troncale -- The Birmingham NewsTornado damage from early morning storms Mon., Jan. 23, 2012 in Eastern Jefferson County, Ala. (The Birmingham News/Bernard Troncale)Aerial Photographs of the January 23 2012 Storms gallery (31 photos)

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Alabama - In the wake of this week's devastating tornadoes, lawmen are taking care of an important, but little-known, task that follows natural disasters -- tracking displaced registered sex offenders.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender unit identified 10 registered sex offenders that lived in the neighborhoods hit by Monday's EF-3 twister. Of those, six of them had been hit by the storm, said sheriff's Sgt. Jacob Reach.

"We went out and rode all the affected areas and checked on addresses," Reach said. "We're going to make sure we know where they are."

Post-storm tracking of sex offenders became an issue following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. An estimated 2,000 registered sex offenders fled the Gulf region to seek shelter in other states, and some vanished from the required tracking all together.

All states are required to have sex offender registries, and people convicted of sexually violent offenses are required to register their current addresses.

The confusion that followed led to new requirements that the Federal Emergency Management Agency share with law enforcement contact information on registered sex offenders receiving disaster assistance.

Reach said the sex offenders affected by this week's storm lived on the northwest and northeast sides of Center Point, and a section off Old Springville Road in the Clay area. Some had structural damage; others simply were forced to leave because of a lack of electricity. "We were able to locate them and know where they were going to be staying," Reach said.

One of them, he said, was found to be living somewhere other than the address he had registered. Deputies are obtaining a warrant against that man. Reach said detectives did the same thing after the April 27 storms.

"We have to," he said, "because unfortunately an offender can attempt to take advantage of the situation and put himself back where potential victims are." The sheriff's office currently tracks 748 registered sex offenders.

Birmingham police also monitor registered sex offenders following storms, but said none of their 620 were affected by this week's storms. "In April we had two that lost their homes and had been displaced," said Sgt. Scott Thurmond. He said some do try to take advantage of the situation; others are simply overwhelmed and not thinking clearly. "It's probably the last thing on their mind when they've lost everything," he said. "When we found them, they went immediately and registered." "We're just trying to ensure the public safety by knowing where they are," Thurmond said, "and knowing that they are living at a compliant address."

On to another story, the state of Louisiana is pulling out all the stops on persecuting, er, prosecuting the infamous Crimson Tide Teabagger. It seems the LSU fan who was the victim is the second cousin of the sheriff who signed the warrant for his arrest. Now he's facing 10 years and a lifetime on the sex offender registry. Overkill for an act done in poor taste if you ask me. My opinion, 90 days and community service with some reparations but not the registry. That's bullshit.

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/27/defense-lawyers-for-alabama-fan-accused-of-assault-begin-public-rhetoric-tour/

Defense lawyers for Alabama fan accused of assault begin public rhetoric tour

Posted by Ben Kercheval on January 27, 2012, 5:01 PM EST

Well, what else are they going to do? Their client is accused of sexual battery against an unconscious LSU fan. Might as well come out swinging.

And that’s just what the lawyers for Brian Downing, the man connected to that famous post-BCS championship game video, uploaded to YouTube and later picked up byDeadspin.com, have done.

In a statement released by lawyers Miles Swanson and Michael Kennedy,Downing’s alleged actions are downgraded to what appears to be similar to frat house hazing, which I also believe has been outlawed in some states. The two lawyers go on to call a possible 10-year jail sentence should Downing be convicted “a little troubling.”

“The eighteen year old victim was never physically harmed and, in fact, was so intoxicated that he would have had no recollection of the incident, but for a video posted online,” , the two wrote in a statement. “Any ‘harm’ is entirely post hoc and amplified by media.

“[The accusation] demeans the real and serious trauma of actual victims of sexual violence.”

The New Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office has yet to bring charges in the case.

“[Downing] has already been tried and convicted in the court of public opinion,” the lawyers say. “He has been fired from his job and suffers continual harassment by the public and media.”

Downing, a 32-year-old from Alabama, turned himself into authorities last week after New Orleans police issued an alert for the individual connected to the video. As it turned out, Downing’s second cousin was a local sheriff who made the call to bring Downing to police. Downing was later set free on $10,000 bond.

Reminder to watch for new legislation

2012-01-14T09:59:00.001-06:00

Alabama does not have much sex offender related news, but I want to remind my readers and followers to keep an eye on the legislative tracker or the news and if you have a news tip submit it to iamthefallen1@yahoo.com with the headline "News Tip." ReFORM-AL, a Once Fallen affiliate site, works hard to keep this blog active and up-to-date. However, it helps to have some new info out there. I even accept editorials from so long as they are respectful in nature and are limited to Alabama's laws and sex offender issues.

In the meantime, check the legislative tracker and read the new laws when they are introduced. You only have a limited time to request a public hearing to oppose these laws once they are introduced.

Alabama well represented in the 2011 Shiitake Awards

2011-12-16T19:19:00.000-06:00

Blogger-Templates

Follow this link to vote via Survey Monkey:

[VOTING CLOSED DECEMBER 31]

For those unfamiliar with the Shiitake Awards, it is an annual event that spotlights some of the absurdities of people who exploit sex offender laws and registrants for personal gain. Alabama is up for worst state of 2011, AL's new SORNA law is up for worst law, Michael Hill of Huntsville is up for Everyday Zeroes (vigilante) award, and Tuscumbia, AL chief Tony Logan is up for dumbest quote of 2011. Simply follow the link to cast your votes and represent this "fine" state.

Yet another idiot wants to push for anti-clustering laws

2011-12-10T17:30:00.001-06:00

In 2010, a law on anti-clustering was considered, but only passed for Jefferson County. Now another dumb politician wants to create another state-wide anti-clustering law. This must be stopped before it starts. Contact State Rep. Kurt Wallace and let him know these laws are a bad idea.

REPRESENTATIVE
KURT WALLACE

(R)

42nd District
(Chilton and Shelby)

State House:	Room 522-C 11 S. Union Street Montgomery, AL 36130 (334) 242-7772	Home Address:	24 Maple Drive Maplesville, AL. 36750
Work Phone:	(334) 366-4211	Email:	representativewallace@gmail.com

On to the article itself.

http://www.clantonadvertiser.com/2011/12/09/bill-would-ban-sex-offenders-from-living-at-same-residence/

Bill would split up sex offenders

By Stephen DawkinsPublished 5:28pm Friday, December 9, 2011

Sex offenders living together at the same residence in Chilton County could be the catalyst for a statewide law banning such arrangements.

In the past year and a half, 23 people convicted of sex crimes have been released to the same address, 40 County Road 374 off Enterprise Road south of Clanton, according to information provided by C.J. Robinson with District Attorney Randall Houston’s office.

Nine of the registered sex offenders were living at the address as of Thursday morning, according to Chilton County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Erric Price, who is responsible for keeping track of sex offenders.

State Rep. Kurt Wallace said he plans to file a bill that would place a limit on how close such people could live, effectively outlawing them from locating to the same residence unless it were a treatment facility and the sex offenders were under supervised care.

“I’ve talked with several other representatives, and they said they would sign onto it, too,” Wallace said. “I don’t think [the situation in Chilton County] is a good thing.”

Wallace said he plans to pre-file a bill before the state Legislature reconvenes in February 2012.

The owner of the property at County Road 374 declined to comment Friday. The registered sex offenders apparently are housed in campers behind Triumph Church, which is under construction.

Two residents in the area interviewed Thursday expressed concern about the situation but did not want to be quoted for this story.

Convicted sex offenders must notify the state about where they plan to live once they are out of custody.

“I began noticing the same address listed for offender after offender,” Robinson said. “This is not a licensed halfway house, nor am I aware of any type of specialized training that someone can give to rehabilitate a sex offender. This is a serious problem facing our community.”

Robinson said he received notice about 23 sex offenders being released to 40 County Road 374 from August 2010 through October 2011.

None of the men were arrested for crimes committed in Chilton County, according to Robinson’s information. The crimes include rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, assault with intent to ravish, aggravated sexual battery, and attempted rape; and the given ages of victims range from 4 to 29.

There is also a listed relationship between the sex offender and the person the offender is being released to. These relationships include clergy, manager, halfway house and friend.

Price said sheriff’s department officers have been called to the residence on at least a couple occasions because of fights between residents of the same address but that no crimes have been reported by neighbors.

“We’ve also gotten multiple calls from neighbors about them walking up and down the streets, knocking on doors and looking for work,” Price said.

That last sentence is intriguing. Nothing is scarier than looking for a job or walking down the street, eh?

December 2011 Introduced Bills

2011-12-06T19:18:00.001-06:00

Here is a quick rundown of the latest bills introduced for the upcoming session:

HB 34: "Continuous Sexual Abuse" Act

Section 1. (a) A person commits the crime of continuous sexual abuse when the person intentionally engages in three or more acts of sexual conduct with another person who was under the age of 16 years when the first act of sexual conduct occurred.
(b) The term "sexual conduct" includes any of those sexual acts defined under Sections 13A-6-61, 13A-6-62, 13A-6-63, 13A-6-64, 13A-6-65.1, 13A-6-66, 13A-6-67, 13A-6-69.1, and 13A-13-3 of the Code of Alabama 1975.
(c) Continuous sexual abuse shall not include sexual conduct that meets all of the following:
(1) The sexual conduct did not involve force and was only a crime due to the ages of the victim and offender.
(2) At the time of the sexual conduct, the victim was 13 years of age or older.
(3) At the time of the sexual conduct, the offender was not more than 4 years older than the victim.
(d) Continuous sexual abuse is a Class A felony

ReFORM-AL's stance: Oppose-- this bill will effectively make all sex crimes involving minors a Class A felony, with a minimum 10 year sentence. Such an increase will ultimately lead to a decrease of reporting of sexual abuse cases and may compel the minority of violent offenders to cause more harm to victims. This law will obviously be used to force an increase of pleas to those wrongfully accused.

SB 67-70: A series of bills regarding death penalty reform. Personally I prefer the death penalty to be abolished, but a three year moratorium and reforming the policy on who is eligible for execution is a start. Don't worry, no one has suggested executing registrants, that was abolished by the 2007 Kennedy v Louisiana decision.

Oh boo hoo! B'Ham files for Bankruptcy. Cry me a river!

2011-11-10T11:46:00.001-06:00

Birmingham/ Jefferson County has just filed for bankruptcy. on the surface, it seems unrelated to sex offender issues but it does. Alabama recently passed the costly Adam Walsh Act/ SORNA, which has been found to be costly in many states. They passed an anti-clustering law last year just to target a halfway house operating in the county. They've spent millions on frequent police checks and locking up registrants on petty offenses. Any wonder why they are in financial dire straights? i think not.

AL RSO Registry Fee Law

2011-11-04T22:23:00.000-05:00

I recently added a registry fees fact guide to my main website at www.oncefallen.com. Thus, I thought I'd take the time to review the new Alabama registry fees law to clarify the fee issue:

Alabama: From the recently enacted SB 296: Section 22. (33a) An adult sex offender shall pay a registration fee in the amount of ten dollars ($10) to each registering agency where the adult sex offender resides beginning with the first quarterly registration on or after July 1, 2011, and at each quarterly registration thereafter. (b) Each time an adult sex offender terminates his or her residence and establishes a new residence, he or she shall pay a
registration fee in the amount of ten dollars ($10) to each registering agency where the adult sex offender
establishes a new residence. (c) If, at the time of registration, the adult sex offender is unable to pay the registration fee, the registering agency may require the adult sex offender to pay the fee in installments not to exceed 90 days. The registering agency shall waive the registration fee if the adult sex offender has an order from the court declaring his or her indigence. In the event the adult sex offender is determined to be indigent, a periodic review of the adult sex offender's indigent status shall be conducted by the court to determine if the offender is no longer indigent. Further, if the offender is determined to be indigent by the sentencing court, nothing in this act shall prohibit the offender from being placed on a payment plan where the entire fee is collected in total. (d) The fees collected under this section shall be to the registering agency to defray the costs of sex offender registration, verification, and notification. (e) Any person who willfully fails to pay the required registration fee at the time of registration, or at the time at which the installment payment is due, shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. Upon a second or subsequent conviction for willful failure to pay the required fee, the adult sex offender shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

While I think the fees should be challenged in court (as discussed in my fact guide), it appears those of you who are concerned over registry fees should petition the court to be considered indigent and thus be free of paying the fees. This is something every registrant needs to pursue.

One of my readers reminded me about the Federal "Poverty guidelines." Personally I find the numbers very low, as Alabama's poverty level is about $10,890 per year. However, I'm sure many of us hover around that line. even if you are above that line, I think you could still argue indigence, it is a matter of doing your math. For example, Gas is $3+ per gallon and most cars get maybe 20 miles per gallon on average (less in the city and if . Chances are just to go to work, you are filling up weekly at a cost of up to $100 to refill your tank. That's as much as $400 per month. You essentially have to argue your take home pay and your living expenses are so close paying for extra registration cases a financial burden.

I previously mentioned that Ohio had recently ruled their version of the Adam Walsh Act was indeed punitive. You may ant to utilize this case decision into your argument:

http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/rod/docs/pdf/0/2011/2011-ohio-3374.pdf

Early List for upcoming Alabama Laws

2011-11-02T23:22:00.001-05:00

I suppose it is never too early to list the stupidity that is the Alabama state legislative agenda for 2012. Thankfully, should any dumb laws pop up, hopefully one of you will act quickly and request a public hearing on the law, thus stymieing any new laws from slipping in without opposition:

HB 4: "Caylee's Law:" Great, even Alabama wants to pass this stupid law?
Children, failure to report a missing child in the first degree (Felony B) and in the second degree (Felony C), failure to report the death of a child (Felony B), false reporting to law enforcement authorities (Felony B), crimes of established, Caylee's Law, Sec. 13A-10-9 am'd.
ReFORM-AL Stance: Opposed. Do we need a named law? Furthermore, the law is very vague. What is "timely reporting?" There is a reason why LE in the past tended to make you wait a certain time before you filed a missing person's report.

Apparently the Senate also has a similar sounding version, SB 38. Well I give a similar opposition.

SB 41: An Act repealing the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, the controversial immigration bill.
ReFORM-AL position. I Support this bill. Now if they only had the balls to repeal the Adam Walsh Act.

So far, no direct sex offender laws. That could change of course. However, I mentioned these two laws because they represent the mood of the citizens of Alabama. One is a monkey-see-monkey-do law (Caylee's Law), while the other is the result of backlash against another hastily passed law targeting immigrants based on ignorant racism and stereotyping.

Follow the links on the right to keep tabs on any upcoming bills. While I try my best to maintain up-to-date info, I can miss a few things.

Drunken Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan makes for bad interview

2011-10-31T23:50:00.001-05:00

Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan is currently on probation for a DUI, so I wouldn't be surprised if he was drunk when he gave this idiotic interview for the Times Daily.

Sex offenders attend meeting Halloween night

By Tom Smith, Senior Staff Writer

http://www.timesdaily.com/stories/Sex-offenders-attend-meeting-Halloween-night,183811

All sex offenders in Alabama will be required to attend an educational program on sex offender laws for four hours on Halloween night. The Alabama State Probation and Parole Office and the U.S. Probation Office are joining together to provide the program on state and federal sex offender laws to all felony sex offenders under supervision of state and federal probation and parole offices in Huntsville.

U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance’s office requires felony sex offenders to attend the educational program, which also will provide training on employment and other community support topics. It will be 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday at an undisclosed location.

The timing of the program coincides with trick-or-treaters taking to the streets Halloween night and going door to door. “I know parents are concerned and it’s a concern for law enforcement,” Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan said. “There are a couple of times a year I refer to as a pedophile’s dream come true. This is one of those times.”

Supervisory U.S. Probation Officer Jeffrey Purcell said the operation is a pro-active venture to provide education and training to sex offenders, and improve accountability and behavior change. “As well as safeguard the community, in that these offenders will not be participating in Halloween activities,” he said. Deputy Florence Police Chief Tim Shaddix backs the program. “I know parents who have already gotten on the Internet to find where the registered sex offenders live to make sure they don’t take their children into those neighborhoods,” he said.

Logan said knowing that sex offenders will not be around on Halloween night will give parents and law enforcement some peace of mind. “This is brilliant. I love it,” Logan said. “It will help provide a safe environment for the hundreds of kids out Halloween night and their parents.”

In Tennessee, state probation and parole officers will be making announced and unannounced visits to make sure convicted sex offenders are complying with restrictions during Halloween. They cannot answer the door to trick-or-treaters, pass out candy, decorate their homes, host Halloween parties or wear costumes, state officials said. Local law enforcement officers will be going with probation and parole officers on many of the visits. “I know this is a concern for the public and for parents, but hopefully these measures will ease their concerns,” Shaddix said.

Well, before anyone thinks I'm making up the Tony Logan drunkenness bit, see the story below. A recent study found that your the biggest risk to your child is AUTO-RELATED. You know, like a lush behind the wheel of a car. Who is the bigger threat?:

http://www.whnt.com/news/whnt-tuscumbia-chief-tony-logan-dui-conviction,0,4133902.story

Tuscumbia's Police Chief Found Guilty In DUI Case

Tony Logan faces a $600 fine for the conviction

WHNT NEWS 19 Staff Reports

11:33 AM CST, March 10, 2010

TUSCUMBIA, AL

Tuscumbia's police chief went before a judge Wednesday on his DUI charge. A Colbert County judge found Tony Logan guilty. Judge James Hall ordered Logan to pay a $600 fine, and handed him a 90-day suspended sentence. He will also serve two years probation. Logan's blood alcohol level was .272 when he was arrested December 5, 2009. Florence Police arrested Logan outside of his home after Logan turned in to his driveway, missed, and hit the mailbox. Florence Police say Logan hit his City of Tuscumbia patrol car that was parked in the driveway and ended up in a neighbor's yard across the street. Logan had been on administrative leave until March 1, when he reported to work. Tuscumbia Mayor Bill Shoemaker says he needed Logan back on the job.

Limestone County won't hold Halloween sex-offender roundup

2011-10-30T16:49:00.002-05:00

I'm glad to see the reform movement represented in this article (Congrats to Sandi Hrozek) and at least one county won't engage in Halloweenitis at least for this year. This is a good article for the most part.

http://enewscourier.com/local/x1607579378/Limestone-County-wont-hold-Halloween-sex-offender-roundup

Limestone County won't hold Halloween sex-offender roundup

By Jean Cole

jean@athensnews-courier.com

— The Limestone County Sheriff’s Department won’t be rounding up sex offenders to keep them away from kids on Halloween like the sheriff’s department in one southeast Alabama county.

The Russell County Sheriff's Department is requiring about 35 sex offenders who are on state probation or parole to come to the county courthouse in Phenix City on Monday night for a mandatory three-hour meeting, the Associated Press reported.

Failing to attend could lead to a parole violation and jail time.

The department is also asking 115 other sex offenders to voluntarily attend the meeting, according to the AP. Laurie Franklin, an aide to Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor, said sex offenders who voluntarily attend the meeting will receive a $20 reduction in their $80 annual registration fee, the AP reported.

During the meeting, which lasts from 6 to 9 p.m., sex offenders will hear an update on sex-offender registration requirements, Franklin said.

“I don't think it's going to take three hours,” she said. “They may show them a movie or something just so they don't have to sit there.”

Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely said he wouldn’t be holding such a roundup for several reasons. He does not have the authority to order sex offenders to attend and could not charge them with anything if they did not. He said he does not have the manpower to conduct such an operation. And, he believes his department is doing a good job of tracking sex offenders, whose addresses are available online.

“We don’t have authority to do that (hold a roundup), that would be up to the parole office,” Blakely said. “Logistically, we couldn’t do it with personnel and overtime. If we thought there was a problem we’d do something, but we keep a pretty good handle on them now.”

He said Investigator Mike Gunter, with assistance from Lisa Swindall, does “an excellent job” making sure new and existing sex-offenders comply with the requirements of Megan’s Law. The law requires convicted sex offenders to, among other things, register as offenders, report their whereabouts as well as seek permission before moving or changing jobs. Blakely said all of the other officers also assist with making sure convicted sex offenders comply with the law.

“If they (sex offenders) violate the requirement, they get arrested,” Blakely said.

Gunter said he monitors roughly 143 sex offenders in Limestone County. He said some of those are incarcerated in state prison or local jails. He said that while the Russell County roundup is probably a good thing, he questioned its effectiveness because the meeting would not be mandatory for most of the county’s sex offenders. He said those on state probation or parole are the only ones being required to attend. He said he monitors only “a handful” of sex offenders who would have to attend.

Also, some sex offenders are convicted for victimizing an adult. Others are young men who have had sexual intercourse with a teenage girl who is under the legal age to consent to sex. For example, an 18-year-old boy whose girlfriend is 15. These offenders are not considered a threat to young children.

For and against

Russell County is not the first county or state that has tried to keep tabs on sex offenders on Halloween.

The state of California requires paroled sex offenders who have homes to remain indoors, turn off lights and refrain from decorating and handing out candy on Oct. 31. This Halloween, 2,000 paroled sex offenders without homes must report to parole centers so they have no contact with children on Halloween. They must wear an electronic monitor so authorities can make sure they comply.

Sandi Hrozek of the Internet-based ReformSexOffenderLaws.org, which aims to protect children from abuse while balancing the rights of convicted sex offenders, questioned the effectiveness of such efforts in an email to the Associated Press.

“There have been studies done determining that the incidence of sexual assault on children is no higher on Halloween than any other day of the year, and there is not a single reported case on record of a child being assaulted by a registered offender while trick-or-treating. It is what some have called a solution looking for a problem,” Hrozek wrote.

Information for parents

There are other ways parents can ensure the safety of children on Halloween. They could accompany their children for trick-or-treating or check on the locations of sex offenders through websites, something the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department also encourages parents to do. Two such websites are: [I will not add public registry links here]

Halloweenitis epidemic spreads to Russell County

2011-10-27T11:49:00.000-05:00

It is time Alabama quits living in the past and base laws on facts and not prejudice. The fact is Halloween has always been one of the safest days of the year for children. Even when I was a child there were chaperones and almost no one trick-or-treated alone. Remember how when we were kids, parents would sift through candy looking for poisoned candy and razor blades in apples? Now that we are adults, we discovered besides it being an urban legend, it was an excuse to help ourselves to some choice candy. This law is based on an urban legend. This is just another dumb imported idea from other small town/ small mind areas. You can gain more facts about Halloween laws here: http://www.oncefallen.com/HalloweenLaws.html

I'd like to add the law in this article is REQUIRED for those on probation/ parole BUT NOT REQUIRED for those off paper. If you are off paper, tell the cops to stick it where the sun doesn't shine.

http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2011/10/registered_sex_offenders_on_pr.html

RUSSELLCOUNTY, Alabama -- The Russell County Sheriff's Office has offered parents oftrick-or-treaters a way to avoid houses of registered sex offenders.

The sheriff'soffice has partnered with the Alabama Board of Pardons & Patrol to sponsora meeting of all registered sex offenders during the Halloweentrick-or-treating hours of 6 to 9 p.m. Monday. All sex offenders on probationare required to attend the meeting at the Russell County Courthouse CommissionChambers. Those sex offenders not on probation are not required buturged to attend.

The sheriff'soffice reports there are approximately 150 registered sex offenders in RussellCounty.

TheOffenderWatch tool on the sheriff's office website will show citizens whereregistered sex offenders live. Sheriff Heath Taylor urges residents to checkthe addresses of the areas you will be visiting on the holiday. The servicealso allows residents to register all their important addresses and receiveemail alerts when a registered sex offender moves into the area.

For moreinformation, residents can call the Russell County Sheriff's Office at334-298-6535.

PS: Offender Watch is a PRIVATE registry software company. It is not enough America is privatizing prisons, they are privatizing the public registry as well.

DHR brochure on statutory rape

2011-10-18T15:31:00.001-05:00

Alabama does not actually have a "statutory rape" law, it is simply called rape. Some time back while sitting in the DHR office, I found these brochures. They are quite unique to say the least. Whay do you think? There are brochures directed at the parents too. Click on the images to expand them.

Letter to the Editor: New Sex Offender Law will cost the state much more money than it will lose

2011-09-28T19:17:00.000-05:00

The Marion County Journal Record serves the rural area of Marion County, and does not have online service. However, this letter to the editor is a very good one and worth sharing. Below is the article, copied verbatim:

Editor

Marion County Journal Record

PO Drawer 1477

Hamilton AL 35570

September14, 2011

DearEditor,

I amwriting in response to your front page article titled, “New State Laws GovernSex Offenders,” dated September 14, 2011.

The Lawsare not needed to "prevent" anything from happening. After all it isa proven fact NO LAW PREVENTS CRIME!!! Yet this new law supposes that it canprevent crime while enforcing stricter standards on individuals who havesuccessfully completed their sentences and the state is trying to find lameexcuses to lock up these individuals.

This newlaw is tantamount to the legislature passing a new law that would restricttravel to anyone who has ever had a speeding ticket and require that they weara GPS to monitor their speed while driving. The reason would be that convictedspeeders are more likely to engage in future speeding so we have to monitorthem. There would be a public outcry!The difference here is that we are dealing with former sex offenders andtherefore it is OK. Well, it isn’t.

This newlaw passed here in Alabama brings Alabama into compliancewith the Adam Walsh Act (AWA), which is short for “The Adam Walsh ChildProtection and Safety Act of 2006.” Thecontroversial federal sex offender law intended to standardize sex offenderlaws across the country. The AWA is an attempt to pass minimum nationalstandards and continuity in sex offender legislation. Every state mustsubstantially comply with the SORNA (public registry) provisions of the AWA byJuly 2009 or take a 10% cut in Federal law enforcement grants. That deadlinewas extended twice, first to July 2010 then 2011. As of the July 27, 2011 deadline, 14 states,9 Native American tribes, and 1 US Territory have become"substantially" compliant with the AWA.

The statefelt pressured to pass a quick law due to the threat of losing 10% of Byrne/JAG funds if they failed to comply. Our state government is using “PredatorPanic” to keep the flow of federal money to the state, create jobs and to makethe politicians look good in the eye of the general public so they can getre-elected. It is all about the money. That, and trying to find lame excuses tolock up people who have successfully completed their sentences… keep them inthe system so that the state can continue to receive funding for theirprograms.

Alabama did not learn from Ohio's bad example. Alabama needed only look at recent history with Ohio's battle over the AWA (known in Ohio as SB 10) to see why the law was such abad idea. Ohio’slaw has twice been declared unconstitutional, which opponents had warned wouldhappen. Thousands of sex offenders have been or will be reclassified — twotimes. The funding the state stood to lose if it did not conform — typicallyhundreds of thousands of dollars a year — has been offset by millions spentcomplying with the law and defending against thousands of lawsuits. (read the fullarticle athttp://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/07/31/ohio-sex-offender-registry-a-mess.html)

To makematters worse for the state, the new law does not allocate state funding forenforcement. Combine this fact with the fact that this law will definitelyincrease the prison population for petty violations; the State of Alabama willbe in the same situation as Ohio, spending millions while only recoupinghundred of thousands of dollars.

I wouldalso like to mention that the Times Daily in Florence published an article on SundayAugust 21, 2011 titled, “Professors warn about new sex offenders law” (read thefull article at http://reformalabama.blogspot.com/2011/08/times-daily-professors-warn-about-new.html). The article states that the effect is that the threat of going back toprison for committing new offenses may seem less objectionable than living onthe outside under very restrictive rules. Some of these requirements,particularly the ones that involve informing the public about the identity andwhereabouts of sex offenders, are so costly to offenders that they become more,rather than less, likely to commit more offenses.

This newlaw is a lose/lose situation. The new law violates Due Process Rights, Violatesthe U.S. Constitution Ex-Post-Facto clauses, and it is unnecessarily punitiveto the individual while placing an undue burden on the former sex offender tocomply. And in a time when states are experiencing a financial crisis, this newlaw will cost the state much more money than it will lose… money we don’t have…Money that could be used for education instead of prisons.

Respectfully,

RichardJackson, Jr.

Marshall County woman in land dispute with Registrant

2011-09-25T20:05:00.004-05:00

What is it with WAFF? This is the second stupid registrant bashing story this week. Had the man in question was not a registrant, this would not be news. Plus the woman needs to be in trouble for harassment.

http://www.waff.com/story/15537897/woman

Marshall County woman in land dispute with sex offender

Posted: Sep 23, 2011 7:57 PM EDTUpdated: Sep 23, 2011 7:58 PM EDT

By Stephen McLamb - bio | email

GRANT, AL (WAFF) -

There is a land dispute in Marshall County between a woman and a convicted sex offender.

He has allegedly moved onto the woman's property without permission.

That's at 588 Newport highway just outside of grant, the property owner told us she's working to get him off her land.

The man was living next door but was picked up in a roundup last month when it was discovered a child was living there.

He then created a residence next door and law enforcement says they cannot do anything about property line disputes.

"That's definitely an issue when you have little girls running around. I mean, you worry about the children," said Karla Hardin, who says the man is on her property.

Hardin said she always worries about sex offenders living near her but she never believed it would be on her own property.

"So he lives in a shed running a power cord from his shed to his wife's single wide," said Hardin.

Sheriff's officials confirmed to WAFF 48 news that Steven Edward Southers was picked up in a recent roundup when it was determined he was living in a mobile home with a child.

But after he made bond, Hardin says he put up a shed she said is 30 feet on her property, so she sought law enforcement to have him removed.

"I went to the courthouse and I've been told to go to civil court over this because it's a property line issue," said Hardin.

Despite having a survey done Wednesday and the property line marked between the structure and his former residence, Hardin says he hasn't left.

For now Hardin told us all she can do is warn the public about who is living on her property with a sign, but she says even that caused trouble.

"Police were out here last night and they left and my sign is still hanging," said Hardin.

Southers said the deeds were messed up years ago and that he's on his own property.

Hardin says she will have to spend her money for civil court to get him off of her property.

"The Silver Haired Legislature" looks to out registrants in nursing homes

2011-09-22T22:54:00.001-05:00

This is a bad idea borrowed from similar states like Oklahoma, which is trying to create segregated nursing homes for registrants. And Alabama remembers just how well segregation worked in the past, right? Another stupid report from WAFF 48. They should change their affiliation to FOX.

http://www.waff.com/story/15430737/sex-offenders-in-nursing-homes-a-waff-48-news-special-report

Cullman County, AL (WAFF) -

It's the last place you might expect to find a sex offender living, but it's places like nursing homes you would think would be the last place they could be lurking.

Currently in Alabama, there's no law that says a nursing home has to disclose if a sex offender lives there or is being admitted. But a one group is trying to change that.

For three years, Tonya Glassco was the primary caregiver for her 79-year-old mother-in-law, Valeria Freeman.

She and her husband moved in with her and couldn't foresee ever moving out because she was in such poor health and her Alzheimer was getting worse.

When Glassco got sick, she and her husband made the decision to place her mother-in-law in a nursing home. She said it was the hardest decision she ever had to make and it was just her mother in law.

She looked at least four facilities. She asked numerous questions about the facility, its staff and policies. She also asked if there were any sex offenders living in the facility.

Hazel Bentley Kine with The Silver Haired Legislature, a group devoted to addressing the needs of our elderly, said she found out there were attacks being done to our seniors in nursing homes. So she has sponsored a resolution in the Silver Haired Legislature requiring all nursing homes to disclose if a registered sex offender is currently residing or is being admitted into a facility.

Kine said she has written a resolution for the last three years asking simply that notification be given for seniors who are in these facilities of any sexual offender that is on the premise.

Currently, no such law exists in Alabama and Representative Jeremy Oden of Cullman wants to change that. He presented a bill in the house this last session. House Bill 186 requires notification be given to all residents of any sexual offender residing in a facility.

The bill mandates that the owners of the nursing home or assisted living facility that if they receive an individual who may be a sexual predator that they first notify the residents. They also notify The Department of Senior Services and also the local district attorney there is a sex offender in that facility.

It didn't make it up for a vote this session, but Oden plans to reintroduce it in the next session.

Oden said there is no data as to how many sex offenders are living in Alabama nursing homes. He said as far as residents being assaulted, right now there's not a very good record of that but said it's a small number.

But according to a nursing home watchdog group, in 2008 there were over 1600 registered sex offenders living in facilities with seniors across the country. But members of the Silver Haired Legislature said there really is no way of knowing how many seniors are attacked in facilities, because many go unreported. [MY NOTE: Again with the underreporting myth]

Members of The Silver Haired Legislature said if residents don't remember it they can't report it. Even if it is reported, if they can't identify their predator, they can't testify against him.

Frank Brown, President of The Alabama Nursing Home Association said under Alabama law, nursing homes are prohibited from admitting anyone who might be a danger to themselves or the general population.

Nursing homes do screen potential employees for sexual offenses. But as for potential residents Brown said screenings are not required.

Brown, who also owns a nursing home, admits the association hasn't really looked closely at the bill. But he said he really doesn't see this as a problem in Alabama. He said there has been but one or two sexual instances in nursing homes in the state since his 35 years in the business.

Brown said he's not opposed to providing notification, but if nursing facilities are required to do background checks on residents, it will be an expensive process. With the average stay in a nursing facility around six months, Brown said he just doesn't think residents are at risk.

"Is a bank robber going to rob a bank from my nursing home? is a car thief going to go steal another car? folks in nursing homes are awfully sick. they don't get around to much," he said.

Members of the Silver Hair Legislature said if this bill is made into law, it would protect the facility, the residents and the families.

Carol Oden said it would be peace of mind knowing that her family member would be taken care of and she would know that they would not be mistreat in any way and they would be safe.

Glassco said that is a primary concern for her mother-in-law who she says is confined to a wheelchair. She said she just doesn't want anyone to take advantage of her.

Until House Bill 186 becomes law, it's up to the individual to ask for information relating to sex offenders living in nursing homes and long term care facilities. Brown said if the bill picks up steam The Alabama Nursing Home Association will take a look at it, and suggest changes if needed. He said if it is a good bill, the association will support it. If it is not, they assure the bill would not pass.

Times Daily: Professors warn about new sex offenders law

2011-08-21T16:49:00.002-05:00

The Times Daily has written a few good articles on the subject of sex offenders, and this article is no exception. The only criticism I have is they did not mention the state felt pressured to pass a quick law due to the threat of losing 10% of Byrne/ JAG funds if they failed to comply with SORNA.

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20110821/news/110829994

Professors warn about new sex offenders law

By M.J. Ellington Montgomery Bureau

Published: Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 10:38 p.m.

MONTGOMERY - Alabama's new sex offender reporting law is designed to increase oversight of people who commit sex crimes, but two researchers warn if the laws are too restrictive, they may backfire and result in more, not fewer, sex offenses.

J.J. Prescott, University of Michigan Law School professor, and Jonah E. Rockoff, Columbia University Business School professor, tracked sexual offender data after states established sex offender registries. The duo did not study Alabama's new law but analyzed similar laws in other states for their report.

Rockoff said states passed stricter laws hoping to reduce the number of repeat sex offenses and make the public feel safer. But in a study encompassing several years, he and Prescott found that such requirements make “sticking to the straight and narrow much less attractive than just throwing up your hands and returning to crime,” Prescott said.
He considers the finding significant since the purpose of most of laws is to cut down on repeat crimes.
“Put differently, living life as a convicted sex offender can be pretty miserable under these laws,” Prescott said.
The effect is that the threat of going back to prison for committing new offenses may seem less objectionable than living on the outside under very restrictive rules, he said.
“... Some of these requirements, particularly the ones that involve informing the public about the identity and whereabouts of sex offenders, are so costly to offenders that they become more, rather than less, likely to commit more offenses,” Prescott said.
While Prescott's study did not track Alabama sex offenders, he said it will be extremely difficult for some sex offenders to comply with the new law's requirements. He used Alabama's requirements for homeless sex offenders as an example.
Homeless offenders in Alabama with no fixed residence must report where they are living and pay a $10 registry update fee every seven days. If they do not, they will be sent back prison under the new law, he said.
If the $10 fee stops the offender from reporting because he doesn't have the money and can't get a job because he is an offender, the state will ultimately pay more to keep him in prison. Alabama's cost per inmate per year is about $22,000.
Alabama's new law, based on a bill by Rep. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, has far-reaching registration and reporting requirements for convicted sex offenders.
“Eighty percent of it was making sure we're in compliance with the” Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, Ward said.
The act, in part, establishes new crimes or expands federal jurisdiction over existing crimes in nine areas, including child abuse, kidnapping, obscenity, child pornography, use of the Internet to distribute obscenity or drugs and record-keeping. It also established new offenses and penalties for failure to register as a sex offender.
The state Department of Public Safety and the Alabama District Attorneys Association asked Ward to sponsor the bill, he said.
Local sheriff's offices and police departments are in training to learn how to enforce the law and many expect to devote at least one person on their staff to keep up with reporting changes. The law does not allocate state funding for enforcement.
Some individuals on the House and Senate committees who took up Ward's bill and a similar House bill by Rep. Blaine Galliher, R-Gadsden, said there was little controversy or discussion about the legislation.
“I was for it. There really wasn't a lot of opposition,” said Rep. Greg Burdine,
D-Florence.
Rep Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, who is an assistant Tuscaloosa city attorney, raised questions in the House Judiciary Committee about the stringent reporting requirements.
In previous years, sex offender legislation, particularly limitations on where offenders can live, prompted concerns from legislators.
Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, was a House Judiciary Committee member from 2006-10.
She said if the state continues to lengthen the distance between a sex offender's address and community parks, day care facilities or schools, pretty soon there won't be anywhere left for offenders to live.
Jess Brown, political scientist professor at Athens State University, said the thought of sex offenses brings out strong emotions in the public, which often applauds tougher offender restrictions.
Politicians who pass the laws can go home and tell voters they are tough on crime, and few people will voice objections even if they believe the laws may be a mistake, he said.
“There is a belief in America, especially in Alabama, that you can solve a problem with tough-on-crime laws,” Brown said. “But if you continue to have harsh punishment without the likelihood of effective enforcement, then compliance goes down.”
Politics are always a part of the picture with punitive legislation, including three-strikes-and-you're-out laws that also crowd prisons with people who return on technicalities, he said.
“No prosecutor or politician is going to stand up and say we made a mistake with this law,” Brown said. “He doesn't want his opponents to use that against him in the next election.”
M.J. Ellington is the Montgomery Bureau chief for the TimesDaily. She can be reached at mjellington@TimesDaily.com.

Alabama's final version of the new SORNA law... all 100 pages of it

2011-08-12T16:13:00.003-05:00

After seeing the new law I can see why there was some confusion in the media. While HB 378 got lots of attention, a similar bill, SB 296, was signed by the Governor and this is the law that passed in July 2011. Well, if you have a whole day to read it, knock yourself out. I will have my own analysis up soon. Until then, here is the link to the new law, all 100 pages of it.

http://www.interstatecompact.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=VliFUF4LZIs%3d&tabid=292&mid=824&forcedownload=true

I recently updated my Adam Walsh Act page on my main site at once Fallen. Feel free to check it out:

http://www.oncefallen.com/AdamWalshAct.html

Alabama did not learn from Ohio's bad example

2011-08-01T11:05:00.006-05:00

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -- George Santayana, The Life of Reason (1905-06)

Many people in Alabama are panicking over the revised Alabama SORNA law (which brought the state into Adam Walsh Act federal compliance) which took effect July 1, 2011, which has been covered here over the past few months. Alabama needed only look at recent history with Ohio's battle over the AWA (known in Ohio as SB 10) to see why the law was such a bad idea.

A recent editorial in the Columbus Dispatch explains it quite well (no surprise, I was one of the critics):

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/07/31/ohio-sex-offender-registry-a-mess.html

Ohio sex offender registry a mess

Supreme Court has twice ruled it unconstitutional

By David Eggert

The Columbus Dispatch Sunday July 31, 2011 9:15 AM

Four years after Ohio hurried to complywith a federal law by retroactively toughening the reporting and registration requirements for sexoffenders, the state could be forgiven for having buyer’s remorse.

Ohio’s law has twice been declared unconstitutional, which opponents had warned wouldhappen.

Thousands of sex offenders have been or will be reclassified — two times.

The funding the state stood to lose if it did not conform — typically hundreds of thousands ofdollars a year — has been offset by millions spent complying with the law and defending againstthousands of lawsuits.

“It was a colossal boondoggle,” said Jay Macke, an assistant state public defender.

And the issue remains unsettled, despite the Ohio Supreme Court striking down more of the lawthis month in a decision that could have implications across the country.

In 2007, Ohio adopted the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, part of abroader 2006 federal law named for Adam Walsh, a 6-year-old Florida boy who was abducted and killedin 1981.

It won unanimous approval from the legislature partly because there was a price for not goingalong – a 10 percent reduction in federal law-enforcement assistance grants. The federal governmentin 2009 applauded Ohio for becoming the first state to “substantially implement” the sex-offenderlaw, which created a national system for the registration of sex offenders.

Ohio offenders were reclassified into three tiers based on the crime, no longer consideringtheir likelihood of reoffending. They had to register for longer periods and report to authoritiesmore often, and some once considered lower-level offenders were added to the registry for lifeinstead of a decade.

The changes were applied retroactively to 26,000 sex offenders who committed their crimes beforethe law went into effect in 2008, something critics at the time said was blatantlyunconstitutional.

It turns out they were right.

While the Ohio Supreme Court initially declined to step in and block the law from taking effect,it struck down portions of the law in 2010, reverting 19,000 offenders back to their status underOhio’s previous sex-offender statute, Megan’s Law.

Then, about 7,000 offenders benefited from a major ruling this month that said the law could notchange their punishment after the fact.

“When we name laws after people, it’s usually a mistake,” said Jeff Gamso, former legal directorfor the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio who has fought Ohio’s retroactive sex-offender law. “ They’re driven by immediate passions and not by a whole lot of attention to what makes sense.”

Ohio, he said, has a lot of work ahead in deciding how to handle the fallout from the latestSupreme Court decision.

It is a crime for sex offenders to fail to register and verify their whereabouts. But some stilllisted on the registry would have come off by now under Megan’s Law, or possibly would not have hadto register in the first place.

What if they were jailed for not registering or checking in with authorities under anunconstitutional law?

“The years of confusion continue,” Gamso said.

Attorney General Mike DeWine has another concern — making sure sex offenders affected by thelatest ruling still have to sign up for the registry. His office began meeting with lawmakers lastweek to discuss their status.

DeWine said he is not sure yet whether new legislation will be needed.

“The court has told us what we can’t do, which we accept,” he said. “What we need to make sureis if they are still covered under the previous law.

“We have a duty to look at this and make sure we get it right.”

Sex offender George Williams of Cincinnati — one of thousands to challenge Ohio’s law — won thelatest legal fight in the state’s high court. Now 23, he pleaded guilty to having unlawful sexualconduct with his 14-year-old girlfriend when he was 19.

For critics, Williams is the poster child for what is wrong with the sex-offender registry.

At the time of the crime, he likely would have been labeled a sexually oriented offender andbeen required to register for 10 years. However, under the Adam Walsh Act provisions, he wassubject to 25 years.

Williams was sentenced to two months of jail and three years of community control, similar toprobation. He and the victim had a child together, and she and her family wanted him to havecontact with the child.

“If I have some predator living near me, I’d like to know that. But does this really get itdone?” asked Franklin County Common Pleas Judge David E. Cain.

He questioned whether the public is served by a registry with tens of thousands of offenders onit. Tougher reporting requirements and more restrictions on where offenders can live make it morelikely they will not comply and leave their whereabouts unknown, he said.

“I’m not sure it ever had a chance of doing what (legislators) intended, to make the state saferfrom sexual offenders,” Cain said. “They have the right intentions, but they don’t always thinkthem out too well.”

deggert@dispatch.com

Yet more rules in the new SORNA law

2011-07-30T12:36:00.004-05:00

This law needs to be fought. There are plenty of fees and it is obvious the intent is to circumvent previous laws that made it illegal to incarcerate individuals for being homeless.Until I can get a complete copy of the law AS PASSED, then I can't even say what other hidden rules there are. Why was the state legislature so quick to pass this bill and so quick to take it down after it was passed? Hm.

At any rate, this list is expanded from earlier reports. Once I get a full copy of the bill as passed (the final version) will post it up.

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20110727/ARTICLES/307279990/1011/NEWS?Title=New-rules-for-sex-offenders

Key points of 2011 Alabama sex offender law

Repeals earlier sex offender law passed in 2005, but incorporates parts of later laws.

Requires adult sex offenders to remain in the state sex offender registry for life but makes exceptions for some younger offenders.

Requires offenders to report plans to be away from home address for more than three days or any out-of-state travel.

Requires day laborers to report when and where they will be on the job each day.

Requires adult offenders to verify registration information every three months and pay $10 fee for updating.

Requires homeless offenders to re-register and pay $10 updating fee every seven days.

Requires offenders defined as sexual predators or convicted of violent sexual offenses to wear a global positioning device at a cost up to $15 per day.

Allows offender to petition court for relief from lifelong reporting requirements if the offense was a crime only because of the victim’s age (consensual sex with a minor).

Requires offender to register with local law authorities within three days after moving to county and/or attending school in county.

Requires offender to update information within three days with every move or change in school.

Expands information offender must give to law enforcement to include vehicle information, telephone numbers, Internet and email addresses, palm prints, passport/immigration documents and professional licenses.

More news about the new law to take effect July 1st

2011-06-26T15:46:00.003-05:00

It seems this new law recently passed is even worse than previously thought. The Cullman Times reports even MORE new provisions to the newest law taking effect July 1st, 2011. The Day Labor law will effectively prevent registrants from obtaining employment, as most day laborers don't even know where they will work. Who will be able to afford the fees and GPS? It is obviously a ploy to incarcerate those on the list.

http://www.cullmantimes.com/local/x1277747145/Tough-new-sex-offender-law-goes-into-effect-July-1

A few other significant changes to the sex offender law include:

Registered sex offenders who are homeless are required to check in once a week.
Those who do day labor must provide local law enforcement with details about where and when they will be working each day.
Sex offenders will have to pay a $10 fee every time they register. That same fee will also be charged for every move.
A travel permit is required through local law enforcement if a sex offender plans to be away from their residence for more than three days or if they plan to travel outside the area.
Those sex offenders who have been classified as sexual predators or convicted of sexually violent crimes will be required to wear a Global Positioning System (GPS) for 10 years, at their own expense.
Some youthful offenders and juveniles, those charged with more serious sex crimes, will have to register for a lifetime instead of 10 years.

State's sex offender laws get tougher

2011-06-16T19:56:00.001-05:00

No surprise since no one is fighting anything there. No one has contacted me in support of this site since it began a year ago. If you don't voice your opposition when it is in session, it is harder to fight laws after they pass.

http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_14e764b0-9798-11e0-9bc8-001cc4c002e0.html

State's sex offender laws get tougher

Posted: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 4:47 pm

By DeWayne Patterson

Gov. Robert Bentley recently signed legislation making Alabama's existing sex offender registration laws tougher.

"They needed to be tougher," said Jackson County Sgt. Investigator Paul Smith, who oversees the county's sex offender registration. "There's some really good changes. At the same time, it's going to double everyone in the state's workload, but that's not a bad thing."

Smith said, effective July 1, sex offenders must register quarterly or four times per year rather than only twice. Previously, a sex offender moving into Alabama had seven days to register. Smith said that's been changed to immediately.

Sex offenders will now also be required to pay a $10 fee each time of registeration or transfer of residence.

Smith said the new law also changes it from a misdemeanor to a felony for a sex offender to deface or alter an identification card.

It will also be a felony to harbor, assist conceal or withhold information about a sex offender. "We've been screaming about folks hiding offenders for years," said Smith. "Now, they can be charged."

Jackson County currently has 72 adult sex offenders, according to Smith, seven of which are currently incarcerated.

It really IS all about the money-- AL SORNA

2011-06-03T16:41:00.001-05:00

The truth comes out-- it is all about the money. That, and trying to find lame excuses to lock up people who have completed their sentences. Considering how few actually have a job due to Predator Panic, how do they expect someone who has no job to pay $250? This law is unconstitutional. Make those who want this useless info pay the fees instead. I'd refuse to pay.

http://www2.wrbl.com/news/2011/jun/02/bill-tighten-ala-sex-offender-registration-heads-b-ar-1920918/

Bill to tighten Ala. sex offender registration heads to Bentley

The bill would require weekly registration from homeless offenders.

By Alison Flowers
Published: June 02, 2011

The Alabama Senate unanimously passed measures to tighten the state's existing sex offender registration law Thursday. The bill is now headed to Governor Robert Bentley's desk for approval.

The new requirements would prohibit a sex offender who abused a sibling from living under the same roof as the person they abused. Homeless offenders would have to register weekly with law enforcement until they secure a permanent address. All offenders would have to supply extra information to be made public, under the proposed law.

But the measure that Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones says is long overdue: the $250 offender registration payment.

"Every time an individual moves, we have to notify the area where they're moving, and there's an expense involved each time."

Federal law mandates the sheriff's office track sex offenders, an endeavor that involves software and fees.

"The public wants to know, and they need to know in regard to these individuals in their neighborhoods, but it can be an expensive proposition at some point," Jones said.

AL one step closer to passing SORNA

2011-05-25T16:10:00.001-05:00

My guess is they are more motivated by money. It is unnecessary to add more registration requirements. They must not realize it will cost them more to implement this stupid law than reject it.

http://www.wncftv.com/localnews/House-Passes-Bill-to-Stregthen-Sex-Offender-Laws-122537014.html

House Passes Bill to Strengthen Sex Offender Laws

By Morgan Hightower

Members of the Alabama House of Representatives Tuesday voted to strengthen the state’s sex offender laws, passing a bill sponsored by Rep. Blaine Galliher (R-Rainbow City) that would close loopholes in current law and require more frequent and thorough registration of sex offenders in Alabama.

House Bill 378, known as the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, would strengthen current law by requiring sex offenders to give local law enforcement more information when registering, including vehicle information, telephone numbers, Internet identifiers, email addresses, palm prints, travel documents and professional licensing information. Sex offenders would also have to register four times a year instead of the current requirement of two registrations per year.

Representative Galliher said updating Alabama’s sex offender laws will create better awareness of what sex offenders reside in the community, enabling the public to better protect themselves.
“Registration and notification laws protect the community and serve to deter sex offenders from future crimes,” Representative Galliher said. “Requiring more frequent and thorough registration will maintain better contact between sex offenders and law enforcement, providing police and sheriff’s offices with the tools they need to identify, monitor and track sex offenders. We’re looking out for victims, and giving our communities the resources they need in the law to keep families safe.”

The bill also closes a loophole that makes it difficult to enforce registration and notification requirements for homeless sex offenders by mandating that, until they obtain a permanent residence, homeless sex offenders must register with local law enforcement once a week. Another provision in the bill makes it a felony for a sex offender to contact or harass his or her victim.

House Bill 378 also brings Alabama up to date with federal sex offender law by ensuring that a comprehensive list of sex offenses is applicable to registration and notification requirements.

A similar bill has passed the Senate. Representative Galliher said he would work with the Senate Sponsor, Senator Cam Ward to combine the bills and ensure the strongest possible law ultimately passes.

(Information Source: Rep. Galliher's Office)

Here is Blaine Galliher's info:

http://www.legislature.state.al.us/house/representatives/housebios/hd030.html

State House:	Room 519-C 11 S. Union Street Montgomery, AL 36130 (334) 242-7674	District:	Post Office Box 4353 Gadsden, AL 35904-4353
Home Phone:	(256) 442-7517	Email:	blaine2@mindspring.com

Rep. Steve Hurst [D-Munford] has pushed legislation authorizing castration 4 years

2011-05-02T22:14:00.001-05:00

Rep. Steve Hurst, D-Munford, has pushed legislation authorizing castration for four long years now. However, given the political climate in Alabama, it is always worth noting. Personally politicians like him should be surgically lobotomized

http://annistonstar.com/bookmark/12644488-Local-legislator-wants-pedophiles-castrated

Local legislator wants pedophiles castrated

by Patrick McCreless
Star staff writer

04.06.11 - 03:00 am

Rep. Steve Hurst wants to protect children from p***s and sees castration of certain sex offenders as the way to do it, though at least one civil rights group disagrees with him.

Hurst, a Republican from Talladega, has proposed a bill that would require convicted child molesters to be surgically castrated under certain conditions. Specifically, the bill states that anyone more than 21 years old convicted of certain sex offenses against a child 12 years old or younger must be surgically castrated before being released from the state Department of Corrections.

“We need something to protect the children out here,” Hurst said. “They can’t protect themselves.”

Olivia Turner, executive director of the Alabama chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a Tuesday email to The Star that while Hurst’s intentions are good, he is going too far with his bill.

Turner said the castration bill is based on a false premise that sexual assault is the product of an uncontrollable sex drive.

“The reality is that sexual crimes are about violence, power and the humiliation of a survivor or victim, which is why a castrated sex offender can still be a serious danger,” Turner wrote. “The highest priority for members of the Legislature working to reduce repeat offenses by sex offenders should be an examination of the effectiveness and availability of psychological treatment for sex offenders in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections.”

Currently in Alabama, convicted pedophiles released from prison must file with the sex offender registry in the county where they will live. They are not allowed to live near schools or churches. County sheriff’s offices are required to routinely check up on the sex offenders in their jurisdiction to ensure the offenders’ addresses still correspond to what is listed in the registry.

Along with surgery, there is also the option of chemical castration, in which a male is required to take routine injections of a chemical that suppresses the amount of testosterone he produces, thereby lowering his sexual urges, said Fred Berlin, founder of the Johns Hopkins University sexual disorder clinic.

Either method has been shown to suppress sexual urges among some pedophiles, Berlin said in contrast to ACLU’s view.

“It can lower the intensity of their sexual desires,” Berlin said. “There is pretty good evidence that if you lower testosterone, you lower sex drive.”

Chemical castration has been used in other states as a means to deter pedophiles from molesting children.

Eight states currently permit chemical castration under certain circumstances, including Georgia, California, Florida, Louisiana, Montana, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin.

Berlin noted that different chemicals can be used to suppress the sex drives in female p****s as well.

“It’s very unusual for pedophilia to occur among women, but it does happen,” Berlin said. “There are testosterone-like hormones that are important in the sexual drive of women and there are drugs that can suppress that.”

Hurst, however, said he prefers surgical castration.

“The chemical castration, that’s fine as long as they are taking the medication, but who is to say they will continue taking it,” Hurst said.

Berlin disagreed with Hurst.

“There is really no reason to do surgical castration,” Berlin said. “The monthly chemical injections can be monitored … and one can completely reverse the surgical effects by taking testosterone.”

Berlin added that castration is not a guarantee a sex offender will not try to molest a child again, since it cannot suppress urges completely and because pedophilia can be caused by biological or mental factors.

“There is some preliminary biological evidence for causes of pedophilia,” Berlin said. “And it does appear some boys who are sexually abused can be warped in their sexual development and can develop pedophilia.”

Berlin agreed with the ACLU that psychological treatment for pedophiles was a viable option.

“There are many treatments, such as group therapy that is similar to therapy for alcoholics,” Berlin said.

Even though Republicans now control the state Legislature, Hurst could not say if the bill would pass.

“I think it will be the mood of the people, regardless of who is in control,” he said. “I’d like to pass something. If we can save one child … not to be mentally destroyed, that’s what I want to do.”

Contact staff writer Patrick McCreless at 256-235-3561.
Yes, Hurst has barked up this tree before unsuccessfully:

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20090208/NEWS/902070238/1007?tc=ar

I have just released an article on Castration Laws-- Read it here:

http://www.oncefallen.com/castration.html

No one has taken him seriously... yet, but we are always one high profile case away from having this abominable law passed.

STEVE HURST

State House:	Room 627-C 11 S. Union Street Montgomery, AL 36130 (334) 353-9215	District:	155 Quail Run Road Munford, AL 36268
Home Phone:	(256) 761-1935

Proposed law would tighten registration, work requirements

2011-04-25T10:29:00.001-05:00

Great, just when I thought it would be a quiet year in AL, this crap happens: legislature to increase work restrictions from 1000 to 2000 ft and increase registration 6 months to 3 has been introduced. Blaine Galliher is the sponsor:

State House:	Room 519-C 11 S. Union Street Montgomery, AL 36130 (334) 242-7674	District:	Post Office Box 4353 Gadsden, AL 35904-4353
Home Phone:	(256) 442-7517

Email: blaine2@mindspring.com

Be sure to focus on the Judicial committee as well. ReFORM Alabama opposes this bill in every aspect excet the "Romeo and Juliet" provision. The intent is bring Alabama more in tune with the controversial Adam Walsh Act.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20110422/NEWS/110429914/-1/OPINION01?Title=Proposed-law-would-tighten-sex-offender-requirements&tc=ar

Proposed law would tighten sex offender requirements

By Lisa Rogers
Times Staff Writer

Published: Friday, April 22, 2011 at 9:27 p.m.

Alabama already has some of the toughest laws in the United States for convicted sex offenders, but Rep. Blaine Galliher, R-Rainbow City, has introduced legislation to make them even tighter.

The bill is out of committee in the House and Senate and could come up for a vote during this session.
“It brings the state into compliance with federal laws and strengthens the current law and closes some loopholes,” Galliher said.

Current sex offender laws are addressed in three or four sections of the state law's code books, but this bill places it all in one section.

“It makes it easier to read and comprehend,” Galliher said.

The law would prohibit an adult sex offender from living within 2,000 feet of the victim, rather than 1,000 feet, Galliher said.

It also adds a restriction prohibiting a sex offender from working within 2,000 feet of a school or child care facility.

It requires juveniles who commit violent offenses to follow the same guidelines as adult sex offenders and prohibits the youthful offender laws from being a factor in those cases.

Sex offenders also would be required to verify registration every three months instead of six months.
Anyone who is homeless now will be required to check in with law enforcement every week.

The new law also makes it a requirement for all convicted sex offenders, regardless of when the offense or conviction occurred, to register for the rest of their lives.

It will require sex offenders to provide more information to law enforcement and the sex offender public registry website, such as their employers, license plate numbers, vehicle information, telephone numbers, Internet identifiers and email addresses. The public registry website also will require a criminal history of all sex-related crimes.

The sex offender now must register within three days of changing or updating any information or within three days of entering a county to live, work or attend school.

There is a substantial revision for the process that determines if someone is a considered to be a sexual predator. It no longer will be based on mental issues, but on the person's prior record.

The law also prohibits sex offenders from contacting or harassing their victims.

One of the loopholes the bill addresses is requiring all sex offenders to sign a form each time they register, stating they understand their responsibility.

There also is a new provision addressing consensual sex.

If there is no more than four years' difference in the ages of the juvenile offender and victim and the sexual contact is consensual, it is at a judge's discretion to determine if the offender must register as a sex offender.

Sheriff Todd Entrekin said the tougher law is going to create more work for the sheriff's office, but that is a problem he doesn't mind.

“It will push more of the sex offenders out into the county, because the 2,000-feet requirement will make it more difficult for there to be places that sex offenders can live in the cities,” he said. “But it's worth it. Anything we can do to keep up with these sex offenders, we're going to do our part.”

Letter in favor of treatment exclusion to Jefferson Co. anti-clustering law

2011-03-11T09:38:00.000-06:00

This was sent specifically to State Rep. Todd because she has spoken publicly about the need to reform sex offender laws in Alabama. Adding an exclusion to B'Ham's sex offender laws to allow Shiloni Transformation Ministries to resume housing for former offenders would be a nice start.

I'd like to ask other readers to contact State Rep. Todd- maybe she can propose a bill to allow halfway house services in Birmingham to resume.

http://www.legislature.state.al.us/house/representatives/housebios/hd054.html

Dear State Representative Patricia Todd,

I am writing you today to express my concerns over the anti-clustering laws passed specifically in Jefferson County during the 2010 Legislative Session (a bill sponsored by State Senator Priscilla Dunn), and to suggest an exclusion to the bill on behalf of halfway houses, specifically the Shiloni Ministries of Birmingham. I have written you specifically because you have spoken out in the past, calling for reform and review of Alabama's policies of managing those convicted of sexual offenses.

This bill was written without regard to the benefits of Shiloni Ministries and similar programs that run reintegration services for those convicted of sex crimes (in fact, it has been said the bill was written specifically to target Shiloni Ministries). Instability on post-release life, particularly housing and employment deficiencies, is a primary factor in criminal recidivism, and in crime rates in general.

On the contrary, halfway houses and reintegration programs, much like the one offered by Shiloni Ministries, are effective measures to reduce the already low rates of recidivism among those convicted of sexual offenses. A study by the Colorado Department of Public Safety found "Shared Living Arrangements" to be a very effective for of those deemed "high-risk" sex offenders, with less overall violations and higher reporting of violations (in other words, the registrants police themselves). Places like Shiloni Ministries offer a positive support network that increases the likelihood of a successful post-release reintegration, especially during those critical first months of release, when the likelihood of recidivism is highest.

Unfortunately, Alabama has a history of supporting the "tough" on crime but not "smart" on crime policies promoted by the Troy King/ Bob Riley regime. There is ample research that many of these pos-conviction policies are more placebo than panacea. This is one area we can at least change.

Ohio has made exceptions to the residency law rule [Ohio Revised Code 2950.01(u)] that excludes treatment facilities as "residences" under the letter of the law. I am proposing a similar rule to allow Shiloni Ministries to continue its efforts to provide stable housing and social support to former offenders. (I have attached a rough draft of a similar proposal I wrote on behalf of another halfway house in California).

I am not a representative of Shiloni Transformation Ministries. I am, however, a nationally known advocate for the rights and advancement of former offenders. I am also a former offender, convicted in Alabama. I experienced the frustration of trying to find housing while incarcerated and without the help of loved ones. I had written over 60 places as far away as Oregon to no avail. I was five days away from release and facing a "Failure To Register" charge when a church ministry in Cincinnati, Ohio accepted me. I have been free since April 1, 2003. I beat the odds but it wasn't easy-- I've been homeless, denied housing and employment, harassed by self-appointed vigilantes, and forced out of a pre-approved residence. I believe in these programs because without them, the likelihood of a released prisoner being a productive citizen are significantly diminished.

2011 Legislative session

2011-03-10T19:09:00.000-06:00

Its a quiet year in legislature... so far.

Below is a list of 2011 Legislative Bills as of today, March 10, 2011:

HB 23: Allows expungement of records under certain circumstances
Our Stance: Support, though more expungement opportunities for those on the public registry who are arrested but acquitted or have charges dismissed.

HB 51: Increases penalty for third indecent exposure from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony
Our Stance: I'm hesitant to agree with this one because Indecent Exposure is a broad definition. Also, to make a non-contact offense the same penalty as a contact offense seems asinine.

Controversial signs on front lawn target registered person

2011-03-05T18:55:00.000-06:00

More Alabama stupidity. Maybe I'm biased, but it seems the stupidity seems to be more concentrated in North Alabama. For once, WAFF 48 didn't put much on a negative slant on the story or name the victim of this vigilante scumbag. By the way, this clown is harassing the registrant, so he should be arrested for harassment. "Free speech" does not include harassing communications. Also, I'd like to point out that "Second Degree Rape" includes someone who had sex with a willing partner if she is between ages 12-15; I wouldn't be surprised if this was the case.

http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=14191986

Controversial signs on front lawn target sex offenders

Posted: Mar 04, 2011 10:04 PM EST Updated: Mar 04, 2011 11:08 PM EST
By: Margo Gray

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - How far does free speech really go? Signs out in front of a Huntsville mans home is creating quite the commotion.

The signs have the power to create a traffic jam, plenty of conversation and even stir up emotion. The homemade signs on Michael Gill's front lawn in the middle of Five Points are sending a message, aimed at a neighbor. "If I didn't do anything, no one would know that rapist is living on my block across the street."

A couple days ago, Gill received a notice in the mail from Huntsville Police. A registered sex offender who was convicted of 2nd degree rape of a 15 year-old moved in a few doors down, and by law, anyone within 1000 feet is required to know. "When I get that notice, what am I supposed to do," said Gill. So he installed 24 hour camera surveillance at his home. "I agree with the man, I don't think he should be here and there is a whole lot of kids in the neighborhood," said resident Jody Price.

Not all of Gill's neighbors agree with his tactics. Many who would not go on camera said Gill is creating more of a nuisance than anything else. Some of Gill's neighbors have even reported him to police and the city over this. He's violated the noise ordinance and was forced to reduce the size of his signs. "I have to stay within the city ordinances, but that is infringing on my speech," Gill said. His neighbor, though, also has the right to live there.

WAFF spoke the man. He was convicted back in 1999 and served a year for the crime. He said he served his time, doesn't bother anyone, wants to be left alone.

Could prison policy in Alabama be changing?

2011-02-01T07:47:00.001-06:00

Google News/ The Canadian Press reports that due to the budget shortfalls of many states, tough-on-crime policies could be changing:

Experts on national sentencing expect almost every state to adopt the new approach sooner or later — perhaps most this year because of the state fiscal crisis. The Pew Center is now working with policymakers in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Texas and Washington about adjusting sentencing policies. Nationally, states spend an estimated $50 billion each year in locking up criminals — four times the amount spent two decades ago and second only to Medicaid spending — according to the Pew Center. A study released by the group last year shows the amount states spent locking up inmates grew nearly 350 per cent from $11 billion in 1987 to $48 billion in 2008.

Tough on crime policies are failed experiments. They simply do not work. We need a more holistic approach, much like the one listed below:

Empty Building Reflects Empty Hearts: NIMBYism and the closing of Shady Court

2010-12-25T09:14:00.000-06:00

Shady Court sits empty now, a sad reminder of the emptiness of the hearts of many who judged its residents solely on label rather than character. Shady Court was home to a dozen registered sex offenders barely a year ago. Thanks in large part to residency restrictions and intolerance of sexual offenders, those who carry the stigma of “sex offender” are left with few housing options upon release from prison or after sentencing. Sex offenses can range from rape and sodomy to offenses to urinating behind a bush or even consensual relations between teenagers; in Alabama, all register for life. With the closing of Shady Court, there are even fewer housing options.

I moved to Sheffield a year ago to be closer to my fiancée (I never liked living here before but I was willing to prove my love to my fiancée). Like many of the former residents at Shady Court, I am on the Public Sex Offender Registry. I am also a nationally known advocate for the rights of former offenders, working with groups like www.sosen.org in addition to running my own advocate site www.oncefallen.com. I even received a partial pardon in 2007 as recognition of my rehabilitation. My first order of business in Alabama was establishing a working relationship with John Starnes, owner of Shady Court.

My fiancée and I spoke with Mr. Starnes and his fiancée in September 2009. I wanted to work with Starnes because we both believe in rehabilitation. Starnes was holding meetings for sexual addiction, and cooperated with law enforcement to keep any potential troublemakers in check. We held similar goals of running halfway houses to help ex-offenders reintegrate successfully into society. Starnes had taken the vision one step further—he located a potential site for his halfway house, a quaint and isolated ranch outside the city limits, far from the complaining residents that surrounded Shady Court. Starnes was optimistic and working hard to bring his vision into reality.

By the time I had made my move to Alabama in October, everything had changed. Not long after my initial meeting with Starnes, backlash from the August 16, 2009 Times Daily article[i] shattered that optimism. Starnes and his fiancée began receiving late night telephone death threats. The city of Sheffield’s building inspectors were under pressure to shut down the dilapidated hotel. Someone even drove around the hotel in the dead of night, noting the layout of the place while discussing bombs, and subsequently posted the “findings” on Youtube[ii]. Churches denied assistance to anyone working or living at Shady Court. Despite working with Law enforcement in the past, the police did nothing to help. No one wanted to rent from a hotel flagged as a sex offender ghetto, and eventually Shady Court closed its doors. Most of the registrants simply moved to another part of town.

By the time I ran into Starnes a few months later, the dream had died. He moved to a new location and is selling the property. I understand his frustrations. I was targeted by my fiancée’s neighbors. A local crime blogger posted a picture of my ex-wife and with the suggestion to “tattoo” my forehead. The Times Daily forums filled with personal attacks, even individuals mocking my mother’s passing. My fiancée couldn’t handle the stress and walked away. The residents claim victory on both counts. They could not be further from the truth.

In 2003, the Colorado Department of Corrections published a study[iii] which found no correlation between residency restrictions and sex crimes. Furthermore, they found “Shared Living Arrangements,” much like the arrangement at Shady Court, actually decreased recidivism among high risk offenders. On the flip side, studies found instability in life, such as denial of housing and employment, increases recidivism[iv]. What does that mean? It means Sheffield residents destroyed something beneficial to society in the name of “NIMBYism” and possibly made their streets a little less safe. Sheffield is not alone; in June 2009, Huntsville shut down the Myrick Hotel[v], and in April 2010, Jefferson County passed an anti-clustering law specifically to target a halfway house run by Shiloni Ministries[vi].

Everything you have come to believe about sex offenders is a lie. Sex crimes have more to do with relationships rather than geography[vii]. Most sex crimes are committed by someone the person knows[viii], and most sex crime arrests are of first-time offenders[ix]. Sex offenders have the lowest rate of recidivism, which can be lowered even further with treatment, rehabilitation, and support options which include stable housing and employment[x]. Very few sex offenders are “pedophiles[xi].” High-profile kidnappings are extremely tragic but thankfully extremely rare (less than 115 in a nation with over 71 million children[xii]). Every myth about sex offenders we hold fast to fuels our thirst for vengeance. The current revenge-oriented system of justice has failed to prevent sex crimes because our approach counters the only effective methods of reducing sex crimes in our country.

Shady Court was a lowly program doing the work no one was willing or able to do. We chose revenge over reason. We cried out, “Not In My Back Yard!” The issue has gone nowhere. Despite the complaints and protests of Sheffield residents[xiii], sex offenders will continue to live in Sheffield. I still live here. Life goes on.

Soon I will leave an empty apartment to return to Cincinnati, my dreams of marriage as empty as the crumbling hotel and the dreams of a program that would have made a difference. It is quite possible another sex offender will take my place. If I meet one looking for a place to live, I will highly recommend it.

[i] http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20090816/ARTICLES/908165040/-1/LIVING05?Title=Motel-garners-cluster-of-sex-offenders

[ii] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWItx3lP8fc

[iii] http://dcj.state.co.us/odvsom/sex_offender/SO_Pdfs/FullSLAFinal.pdf

[iv] http://www.oncefallen.com/ResidenceRestrictionsFacts.html

[v] http://www.whnt.com/news/whnt-myric-motel-closure-notice,0,5059254.story

[vi] http://reformalabama.blogspot.com/search/label/Anti-Clustering%20Law

[vii] http://www.nacdl.org/sl_docs.nsf/issues/SexOffender_attachments/$FILE/MN_Residence.pdf

[viii] http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/facts.htm

[ix] Jeffrey C. Sandler, Naomi J. Freeman, and Kelly M. Socia, “Does a Watched Pot Boil? A Time-
Series Analysis of New York State’s Sex Offender Registration and Notification Law.” Psychology,
Public Policy, and Law, Vol. 14, No. 4, Nov. 2008, P. 297

[x] http://www.oncefallen.com/SOMyths.html

[xi] http://mhamic.org/sources/okami&goldberg.htm

[xii] http://hawaii.gov/ag/mcch/main/faqs/files/nismart2_overview.pdf

[xiii] http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20100425/articles/4255035

Vote for the 2010 Annual Shiitake Awards

2010-12-12T07:47:00.001-06:00

Our favorite politician Tim "English Only" James is up for election... in the 2010 Shiitake awards! And much like the real elections, he is losing. We can change all that! Just go to http://shiitakeawards.blogspot.com/ and vote Tim James as worst politico of 2010 today!

Fox 10 Mobile on Alabama Pardon and Parole Board

2010-11-26T08:25:00.000-06:00

This article is not exclusive to sex offenders; however, it gives a good illustration to our insane attitudes about incarceration and punishment in America.

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/special_reports/special-report-pardon-and-parole

Special Report: Pardon and parole

Updated: Wednesday, 24 Nov 2010, 10:03 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 24 Nov 2010, 10:03 PM CST
Libby Amos
Photojournalist: Robert Brown, Riccardo Montgomery

(WALA) - When prison overcrowding is so bad that early release is granted to well-behaved prisoners, and judges are told to punish with the least jail time possible, more criminals get out of jail sooner than they should.

[Comments: Alabama gives ridiculously long sentences for petty offenses, and the USA in general gives the longest prison sentences in the world on average. By "sooner than they should," they mean anything LESS than the maximum penalty]

The State of Alabama has the highest case load ratio of officer to parolee in the country. Once inmates are free, the state doesn't have enough parole officers to keep track of them. Cynthia Dillard heads up the Pardon and Parole Board in Montgomery. She said they catch a lot of blame for people getting out of prison and then re-offending. "When people are released from prison, everyone thinks they must be on parole. But over a third of them are getting out on a split sentence probation that's ordered by the judge, nothing to do with the parole board. Another third are getting out end of sentence neither probation or parole," Dillard explained.

[Comments: I was floored. A third of inmates do every day of their sentences! Split sentences are common in Alabama. Split sentencing is a form of determinate sentencing. For example, if you get a 10 split 3 (10/3), you do three years and the rest on probation. Notice also the caseload for parole officers, yet they still find the time to arrest someone for being unale to pay the $30 a month probation fee.]

Prisoners who are serving a split sentence, life without parole, or are facing the death penalty are the only ones who are not eligible for parole. Dillard said every single other inmate is guaranteed by law to be considered by the board for early release. Dillard put the parole consideration process in perspective. "Their sentences are coming up. Say, they are going to EOS (end their sentence) in two years. The board has to look at them and say, 'Now, do I really want to parole this sex offender who could get out and the next day molest another child? And have that on my conscience and have that child damaged? Or do I want to look at is as if I let this person out a year early we could get him registered as a sex offender, we could help him get established where he needs to go, making sure under condition that he not have any contact with children, that he not go certain places? And we tell him where he can work, tell him where he can live, and make it lot less likely he is going to violate another child.' That's a big decision, you know," she said.

[Comments: This is the typical mentality of society, and it is sad to see this coming from the mouths of those in charge of rehabilitating former offenders. Let Big Brother tell you where you can work and live. Every sex offender is suspected of being a threat]

The complications in the system only get worse. The Board of Pardon and Paroles budget has been cut by $10 million in state funding. The lack of money is forcing each officers case load to get heavier every month. But the numbers show that someone who is paroled or on probation and under strict supervision has a better chance of staying out of prison than someone who walks out end of sentence and has no contact with an officer. Thirty-eight percent of people released EOS return to prison within three years.

[Comments: I'd like to note that is a general recidivism rate, which means that any parolee that commits any type of crime, as opposed to a parolee who commits the same crime. A bank robber who later gets busted with a joint is a "general recidivist" but not a "specific recidivist." Yes having supervision is important but having a positive support network is better.]

Alabama employs fewer than 300 officers who supervise 67,000 parolees and probationers. The question is: How strict is the supervision? "Our average case load per officer right now is 196 per officer, plus they have to write these mandatory pre-sentence investigations and that's a major problem," said Dillard. "So one parole officer who is working out in the field is responsible for making sure that about 196 people are coming to him, being drug tested and have a job and are following the rules?" FOX10 asked. "Exactly. And there's usually a lot of rules. It is scary," Dillard added. Dillard said her officers do great work even against the odds.

[Comment: There is a lot of rules on parolees. Unfortuntely, POs have nearly godlike powers and can impose very strict rules]
Much like the prison system in Florida, the parole/probation arm of the corrections system in Florida is fully funded by the state. Florida law mandates that each parole officers case not exceed the range of 70-90. If that figure is exceeded, the state is responsible for providing money to hire more officers.
The American Probation Parole Association recommends no more than 70 cases per supervising officer. Once again, Alabama ranks in the highest percentile of overloaded correction systems. The problem now is too many people in the State of Alabama are on probation or parole because there is no room for them in prison. It's also a bargain for the state to keep on probation or parole. It cost about $41 a day to keep someone in prison vs $1.87 to supervise them on parole or probation.
In Mobile County alone, there are more than 500 people who are wanted for violation of their parole or probation. With the number of outstanding cases parole officers don't have enough time to track down everyone.

[Comments: Maybe if Alabama did not inarcerate people for such long periods of time, there would not be such a problem. Alabama prisons are at twice the intended capacity.]

Alabama News Roundup nov. 5, 2010 -- The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

2010-11-05T22:40:00.001-05:00

Three new news stories, courtesy of WAFF 48 in Huntsville:

THE GOOD: STATE COURT OF APPEALS STRIKES DOWN NOTIFICATION LAW AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL

http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=13453928
Associated Press - November 5, 2010 4:24 PM ET

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A state appeals court says an Alabama law requiring sex offenders to give an address where they will be living before getting out of prison can't be applied to a homeless inmate with no money. Thornal Lee Adams was arrested when he couldn't give an address where he would be living after his release from a state prison in Montgomery County. He argued that he couldn't give an address 45 days before his release because he had no family to live with and he had no money to pay for an apartment. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals said applying the law to Adams is unconstitutional because he's being punished for being homeless. But the court said it does not hold that the 45-day-requirement is always unconstitutional.

GOOD NEWS: Alabama has a longtime policy of charging a sex offender with failure to register if they cannot create a home plan. Now courts are finally stepping up against this practice. Alabama needs to support more halfway houses.

THE BAD: ALBERTVILLE RESIDENTS COMPLAIN OF REGISTRANT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=13454700
By Stephen McLamb

ALBERTVILLE, AL (WAFF)- Some Albertville residents would like to see a convicted sex offender, who recently moved to their neighborhood, kicked out. But is there anything that can really be done? Albertville police say they've been getting calls from residents along East McKinney Avenue after getting flyers that a sex offender is now their neighborhood. "Basically they don't like it because he's moved into the area," said Albertville Police Sgt. Jamie Smith.

Whether it's Albertville, Guntersville, or somewhere else, Sgt. Jamie Smith says there's little anyone can do as long as the offender is in compliance. "Registering with local law enforcement, obviously they're within the distance requirements set by the law for schools and daycare," said Sgt. Smith.

While you may not be able to remove a sex offender from near your home, Sgt. Smith urges people to be aware. The best way is to use the internet to see if there is a sex offender in your neighborhood. "It will show you everyone that's registered there in the town. We've got 22 here in Albertville," said Sgt. Smith.

If you would like to know if there is a sex offender in your neighborhood, click here.

COMMENTS: This story angered me, quite frankly. It was a non-story. The good news is no one was singled out. The bad news is a bunch of liquored up rednecks will be whipped up in a frenzy over this piece of fluff. Just bad, bad journalism.

http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=13448596

AND THE UGLY: STUPID HICK-TOWN SHERIFF MAKES STUPID HICK-TOWN COMMENTS

ATHENS, Ala. (AP) - How bad did Democrats in Alabama get beaten on Tuesday? To quote Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely: "Alabama Coach Nick Saban running on the Democratic ticket could not have beaten a one-legged child molester running as a Republican." Blakeley, a Democrat, survived because he had no opposition on the ballot. But The Decatur Daily reports that for the first time in Limestone County's recorded history, all local Democratic incumbents who faced opposition lost. Along with the sheriff, nine other Democrats did not have opposition and won new terms.

COMMENTS: Too bad no one legged registrant ran against Mike Blakely. Okay it was a silly copper comment but Alabama politics is like that.

Steve Hurst running on human mutilation platform

2010-10-31T20:57:00.001-05:00

This is Steve Hurst, who is seeking a fourth term for the State House of Representatives. Like most politicos, Hurst is bringing up sex offender issues, which likely means he's probably losing in the polls to his opponent. Either that or there are more than just questions about the $85,000+ he received by PAC groups in the past month.

That in itself is not groundbreaking news. The legislation he has proposed, however, is very disturbing and for this reason, ReFORM Alabama prays this man loses his election:

http://www.dailyhome.com/view/full_story/10112080/article-Hurst-says-he-s-not-done-yet---has-more-work-to-do?instance=home_right

One of the bills Hurst cites as most important to him in seeking another term deals with punishments for people who sexually abuse children.

“The attorney general presented a package two years ago, I think, that would have provided chemical castration for convicted sex offenders. I added an amendment calling for surgical castration. The AG asked me to remove the amendment so the federal courts didn’t strike down the whole thing, but promised me he would support me on a stand alone bill that would do just that. I want it to be tested in the federal courts. You don’t ever get in if you don’t keep knocking.”

The attorney general offered no help with the stand alone bill, but Hurst said he kept up the effort anyway.

The most recent version of the bill required life in prison for conviction of a sex crime against a child less than 12. Release would require surgical castration, which would be up to the inmate. Under Hurst’s original bill, molestation of a child under the age of six could carry the death penalty. In the version that passed the House Judiciary Committee, a sentence of life without parole was required for the rape, sodomy or sexual torture of a child under the age of 8.

“That’s the reason I want to go back,” he said.

Read more: The Daily Home - Hurst says he s not done yet has more work to do

Steve Hurst wishes not only to disobey the US Supreme Court by executing sex offenders who do not kill their victims, he wishes to castrate them as well. It is a bad thing when even Troy King, the sadistic soon-to-be-ex-AG, warns you to remove a mutilation provision of a bill. This man must NOT be re-elected!

UPDATE: Hurst won in a VERY CLOSE race with his opponent in the Nov. 2 election. Too bad.

STEVE HURST

State House:	Room 627-C 11 S. Union Street Montgomery, AL 36130 (334) 353-9215	District:	155 Quail Run Road Munford, AL 36268
Home Phone:	(256) 761-1935

Trial begins for suspended Jefferson Co. Judge who "let SO off the hook"

2010-10-17T11:34:00.000-05:00

A judge allegedly allows a man accused of a sex crime to plead to a non-sex offense so he can have a place to live, and gets dragged before the ethics board for not destroying the man's life.

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/09/trial_begins_for_suspended_jef.html

Trial begins for suspended Jefferson County Judge Dan King

Published: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 12:46 PM Updated: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 12:52 PM

Anita Debro -- The Birmingham News

The nine-member Alabama Court of the Judiciary met for about an hour this morning in Montgomery to begin the trial of Jefferson County Circuit Judge Dan King, who was suspended in June after being hit with 16 charges of ethics violations by the state Judicial Inquiry Commission.

Opening statements began at 11 a.m. The hearing broke for lunch about noon and is expected to begin again at 1 p.m. with the presentation of testimony and evidence.

Scheduled witnesses include: Arthur Green, the district attorney for the Bessemer division of Jefferson County; Bessemer Division Chief Assistant District Attorney Bill Veitch; Ronnie Ashford, a man whom King once represented and whose rape conviction King set aside a year ago so he could forego registering as a sex offender and move in with his mother; and Linda Ashford, the man's mother who asked King to help.

The Judicial Inquiry Commission found it improper that King set aside the rape conviction of a man he represented and for whom he negotiated a plea deal. The commission noted that Ashford's mother cared for King's son at Children's Hospital several years after Ashford was convicted.

The commission also accused King of ethics violations related to an April order in which King accused a fellow judge of succumbing to political pressure in a ruling related to electronic bingo.

Auburn Police given grant to harass sex offenders

2010-10-17T11:28:00.000-05:00

The combination of hick-town policing and big brother funding leads to potentially idiotic results, especially when local hick town news reports it in a negative light:

http://www.wltz.com/news/local/Auburn-police-get-help--104896439.html

Grant helps Auburn Police buckle down on sex offenders

Christina Chambers

Story Created: Oct 13, 2010 at 4:48 PM CDT
Story Updated: Oct 13, 2010 at 6:10 PM CDT

They are not allowed to live near schools, daycares, or churches, but it is easy for a registered sex offender to blend in with the community.

[NOTE: I know of no Alabama law that bars registrants from living near churches, unless it is a local ordinance. Alabama does, however, ban registrants from living within 2000 feet of colleges.]

The Auburn Police Department received a "Child Sexual Predator Program" grant from the United States Department of Justice through their "Community Oriented Policing Services" (COPS) Office.

The grant is worth $110,500. It is designed to reduce and prevent child endangerment and protect communities from sexual predators. "The safety and well-being of our children is crucial to a healthy community and the grant will assist us in our efforts in this area," said Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson.

Auburn is the only department in the state of Alabama to receive the grant this year. Dawson said the money will be spent in investigations, education, and personnel to help with sexual abuse cases.

"This is huge, and it means a lot for our department to receive such an award," said Lieutenant Steve Woods. Woods investigates and regulates all registered sex offenders in the Auburn area. "One sex offender is one too many," said Dawson.

The Auburn Police Division was nominated for the grant by the United States Attorney's Office and the United States Marshals Service for the Middle District of Alabama.

Alabama News Round-up Sept. 2010

2010-09-28T05:53:00.000-05:00

Not a lot happening lately but there were a few news briefs of interest this month:

http://www.decaturdaily.com/stories/area-news-in-brief,68082?

Decatur Daily: Area News in Brief 9/11/10

Sex offender faces charges

A sex offender is in Morgan County Jail faces charges of altering his criminal status on his driver’s license. Falkville Police Chief Chris Free said his officers stopped J**** D****, 52, of ****, for a traffic violation on Monday and while conducting a background check on his license, noticed he had colored over part of the license listing him as a sex offender. D** was convicted of first-degree sodomy in 1993 in Macon County for a sexual offense with a 7-year-old girl. Police charged D*** with sex offender registration violation. He remained in Morgan County Jail on Friday in lieu of $100,000 bail.

--Paul Huggins

COMMENTS: The state needs to repeal this scarlet letter law to begin with. It has served no purpose other than increasing the chances of social ostracism and vigilantism. And check out the bond set. A bit excessive, don't you think?

http://www.therandolphleader.com/articles/2010/09/22/news/118-county%20commission.txt

County gets unexpected jail expense

by Vanessa Sorrell Burnside
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 8:51 AM CDT

WEDOWEE-- Jail administrator Craig Davidson told the commission as of Oct. 1 the state will no longer do maintenance for the Live Scan fingerprint system at Randolph County Jail. County administrator Cindy Arrington said court funds cannot be used for this system; it will have to come from the jail's budget. Davidson said it is mandated they have this system for the sex offender registration and notification act. The county will have to pay for the maintenance and upgrades to be in compliance. The commission tabled any action on the fingerprint system until the new sheriff is elected.

COMMENT: Cry me a river, Randolph County. You wanted it, now pay for it! I wonder how many people realize how much it costs to have Big Brother harass area sex offenders. If they think it is bad now just wait until Alabama tries implementing the Adam Walsh Act.

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/09/birmingham_crime_rate_down_ove.html

Birmingham crime rate down overall; still ranks 4th in U.S.

Published: Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 5:45 AM Updated: Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 6:12 AM

Carol Robinson -- The Birmingham News

Birmingham's crime dropped in every category last year, with the number of murders reported in the city decreasing by 20 percent. Still, despite a 10 percent drop in overall crime, the city ranked fourth nationally in overall crime because of a national downward trend in crime, according to the FBI's annual Uniform Crime Report for 2009. In 2008, Birmingham ranked third nationally in overall crime..... "Even though we are having a banner year in homicide reduction, there is no universal antidote or magic formula for this trend," said Birmingham Deputy Chief Herman Hinton. "Still, I believe that it's more about us expanding our community-based effort through prayer and prayer walks, along with focusing more on high-risk people such as probationers, sex offenders and outstanding felony warrants."

COMMENT: Considering sex offenders have statistically the lowest rate of re-offending by far, I'm scratching my head over the comment made by the B'ham deputy chief. Actually, all the social ostracism and harassment makes them more likely to re-offend. Idiots.

Annitston Star gives a really bad editorial -- FEAR MONGERING AMONG US

2010-09-20T08:13:00.000-05:00

I've never understood just newspaper would print such nonsense when they refuse to print the truth or any of my editorials.

http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/9592985/article-Predators-among-us?instance=home_opinion

Predators among us

by our readers

Moms, shut your doors and keep your kids in; the “big bad wolf” is lurking around the corner. The reality is that sex offenders are littering our country. Kids can be snatched from our front yards and become victims of a sex offender.

The “Leave it to Beaver” days are long gone, and mothers need to be aware of the ever-growing danger. It is even a risk to let our kids go alone to school. The offender knows where there is an “easy catch.” Those men are sick individuals who need regular follow-ups with officials. Kids ought to have special classes that teach them how to protect themselves.

Our children have become easy prey, and we need tough laws to protect them. Playgrounds, wooded areas and close-to-home schools should have extra security. Sexual abuse and the killings of our children have become a national cancer.

The $587 million and most costly school in the U.S. recently opened in Los Angeles. That money was wasted and could have been used to enforce better security and build more jails for outlaws.

Margit Suesser

Anniston

HERE IS MY COMMENT TO THE ANNISTON STAR:

This has to be the worst excuse of fear mongering and blind ignorance I have ever seen in an editorial. People are always saying we see "these kinds of stories" "every day," but statistic from the NCMEC show those high profile cases are extremely rare.

We're already spending more on costly prisons and security. We treat school children like prisoners these days with random pat downs, metal detectors, and heightened security. The only "epidemic" in this country is the epidemic of fear. We fear everything from Pig Flu to Y2K and Satanic Cults in Day Cares.

Like everything else we have grown to fear in our generation, our fears are based upon media sensationalism. Nancy Grace's bread and butter are "Tot Mom" and sex abuse cases. It is interesting to note her two favorite cases on her show, the Caylee Anthony and Sandra Cantu murders, were committed by people not on any public registry.

There are a lot of problems with the public registry. It gives people such a narrow focus on a small group of people, of which only 3%-5% of them will ever commit a new sex crime (there is such a thing as "rehabilitation"). The focus is so narrow we miss the 95% of new cases that will be committed by first time offenders, i.e., people not on the registry.

It has become obvious that these laws are based more on revenge than rehabilitation. The shame game, social ostracism, and denial of second chances has failed to reduce recidivism. Yes we need more education, but you have to include topics like sexual accountability to your youth.

At least she wasn't using sex offender issues as a platform this time

2010-09-04T12:37:00.000-05:00

It is yet another article devoted to crazy Alabama politics. No, it isn't a sex crime issue, but we all need a little humor. Hm, now I have an idea. I have a pic of Bob Riley and Troy King, who's got Phoyoshop?

http://www.loweringthebar.net/2010/09/photoshop-used-to-simulate-political-endorsement-temporarily.html

Photoshop Used to Simulate Political Endorsement, Temporarily

If you are running for office in Alabama, it would be great to have the endorsement of University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban. Having a picture of you and Coach Saban together would really go a long way. And with today's technology, the fact that you have never actually met Coach Saban is not an obstacle to realizing this dream.

Dorothy Davidson, a candidate for mayor of Bessemer, Alabama (a suburb of Birmingham), said last month that Saban had endorsed her candidacy, and she distributed fliers showing the two of them side-by-side on a golf course. Asked about this, the school's athletic department said Saban had not endorsed anybody.

Asked about that, Davidson insisted that the picture of her with Saban on the golf course was real and had been taken three weeks before. When she was later shown an eerily similar picture of Saban apparently standing in exactly the same place on the same golf course, wearing the same clothes, and with his hair in exactly the same position, but with his wife next to him instead of Davidson, Davidson then clarified that position. Her picture had been taken three weeks before. It had then been (poorly) digitally added to the Saban photo, after Saban's inconveniently placed wife had been digitally removed.

Actually, it appears she was not entirely removed -- it looks to me like some of Mrs. Saban's hair is still visible at the top right of Davidson's head.

According to Davidson, "[t]hey said we could do it this way," and her campaign manager, Kevin Morris, clarified that "they" was Coach Saban. Morris said he had asked Saban about it one day on the golf course and that Saban had said okay.

Later that day, though, Morris admitted that maybe that was not one hundred percent true, either. "I lied," he conceded, but said he had deceived Davidson, too. Obviously Davidson knew she had not posed with Saban, but Morris said he had told her (falsely) that Saban had agreed to the Photoshoppery. (Whether Saban ever expressed support for Davidson is not clear. Morris maintains that he did. Saban himself does not seem to have commented, but the athletic department consistently denied that the coach was ever contacted for an endorsement.) Morris resigned.

In the election on August 24, Davidson got 13 percent of the vote, placing fourth out of six. The top two will go head-to-head in an October runoff, although maybe there will be three in the picture by election time.

September 03, 2010

Shiloni Ministries on ARC Talk Radio show! 09/01/2010

2010-09-01T19:51:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, at 7pm, American's Reality Check radio interviewed Shiloni Transformation Ministry, a faith based initiative and halfway house located in Birmingham. Shiloni was negatively impacted by the Jefferson County anti-clustering law. Click on the link below to find the show. You can listen from the Talkshoe website or download the podcast. This ministry needs your support and a repeal of these laws. Ohio makes exceptions for certain halfway houses from the residency laws, Alabama should do the same.

http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/29521

More on American's Reality Check (ARC Radio): http://www.arctalkradio.com/

Court to decide if RSOs must have a home [to be free]

2010-08-28T11:03:00.004-05:00

I am hoping the courts uphold the ruling striking down the practice of re-incarcerating sex offenders for not being able to obtain housing before their release dates. I am passionate about this one because I was five days away from being charged with "Failure to Register." If it was not for a church in Cincinnati, who knows when I would have found a place to live. I am hoping to have a letter from an Alabama inmate who was sent back to prison for being homeless soon.

[http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20100828/APN/1008281024]

Court to decide if sex offenders must have a home

By BOB JOHNSON Associated Press Writer

Published: Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 9:14 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 9:14 a.m.

The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals is deciding four cases that will determine if convicted sex offenders must provide a permanent address when they are released from prison.

Montgomery County Judges Truman Hobbs and Tracey McCooey ruled last year in separate cases that a law requiring inmates convicted of sex offenses to have a permanent address before they are released from prison is vague and unconstitutional.

Alabama Attorney General Troy King has appealed and asked the Court of Criminal Appeals to reinstate the law. King says the statute is necessary for law enforcement officers to keep an eye on people convicted of sex crimes like rape.

All briefs have been filed and arguments made in the four cases. Attorneys say the court could rule at any time.

This article is a longer version of the same story, courtesy of the Anniston Star:

[http://annistonstar.com/view/full_story/9311105/article-Alabama-court-to-decide-if-sex-offenders-must-have-a-home?instance=news_lead]

Alabama court to decide if sex offenders must have a home

by Bob Johnson
Associated Press Writer

August 28, 2010

MONTGOMERY — After serving his prison sentence for rape, Jeffrey Seagle tried to find a place to live. But with no fixed address and no family or friends able to take him in, Alabama's sex offender law kept him behind bars.

When it came time for him to leave the Kilby Correctional Facility near Montgomery, he was re-arrested. The reason: He couldn't give officials an address where he would be living.

"This is essentially an eternal prison sentence. It could be a life sentence," said attorney David Schoen, who represents Seagle and three others in similar situations. "It is the ultimate scarlet letter."

Challenged by Schoen, the law was later declared unconstitutional by two Montgomery circuit judges, but the state attorney general has appealed to have it reinstated. State's attorneys say the four inmates could have complied with the law by listing a park bench or even a street corner as their permanent address.

Montgomery County Circuit Judges Truman Hobbs and Tracey McCooey ruled last year in separate cases that the law is unconstitutionally vague. The ruling struck down charges that the four inmates violated the law when they declared that they were homeless and did not provide an address for where they would be living outside prison.

Seagle and the other three inmates were arrested for violating the notification law when they started to leave prison at the end of their sentences. They have since been released after the law was ruled unconstitutional.

Alabama Attorney General Troy King has asked the state Court of Criminal Appeals to reinstate the law, which he said is necessary for law enforcement officers to keep an eye on people convicted of sex crimes like rape. The four men — Phillip Handley, Thornal Adams, Richard Coppage and Seagle — argued in court briefs that they were unable to find a homeless shelter, halfway house or other permanent home.

Under Alabama law, convicted sex offenders are not permitted to live within 2,000 feet of an elementary or high school or college or university.

Although they are now out of prison, Schoen said his four clients are still having a hard time finding a place to live. He said they have stayed in homeless shelters and other temporary locations.

Many states that adopted stringent community notification rules for sex offenders are now grappling with the issue of how homeless sex offenders can comply.

Last year, probation officers in Georgia had to find temporary housing for nine homeless sex offenders who were kicked out of a makeshift tent city they had built in the woods behind a suburban Atlanta office building. The men said the tent city was the only place they had been able to find where they could live and comply with state law.

In a similar case, almost 100 homeless sex offenders in Florida were forced to move earlier this year from a makeshift camp under a bridge on a Miami causeway.

Mississippi has a law similar to Alabama's, but it gives sex offenders 10 days to find a permanent residence after they are released from prison. In California, sex offenders are allowed to register as "transient" if they can't find housing.

Schoen has argued that the Alabama law violates the Constitution because it requires a convicted sex offender, who has "paid his debt to society," to have a roof over his head.

But the attorney general's office has argued in court briefs that the law does not require a specific address and that inmates can say they are going to live on a park bench or under an interstate overpass, as long as they remain the required distance from schools and police know where to find them.

"You can say 'I'm going to live under the overpass on Ann Street," King said, referring to a Montgomery street not far from the Capitol.

Virginia law allows homeless sex offenders to list a street corner, parking lot or other vacant space as their home.

Deputy Attorney General Pete Smyczek denies claims that the Alabama law is an attempt to give homeless sex offenders life sentences.

"We just want them to give us something definitive enough to allow law enforcement to locate them," Smyczek said.

The law passed the Alabama Legislature in a special session in 2005. The House sponsor, former state Rep. Neil Morrison, D-Cullman, said King and some legislators were concerned that "predators were disappearing back into society" as soon as they were released from prison before law enforcement officers could find out where they were living.

"I felt strongly about this. We owe protection to our children," Morrison said.

Schoen said he believes the Legislature intended to require sex offenders to stay in prison if they lack a permanent address and that the argument about living on park benches is being made to improve chances of winning before the appellate court.

But Morrison said that's not the case.

"Nowhere did we say in the law that they have to stay in prison. The intent was to protect children," Morrison said.

In court filings, attorneys for the sex offenders say their clients went to great lengths to abide by the law.

Seagle, who was initially convicted of rape in Montgomery County in 1995, had been in prison for 14 years when he was told he would have to provide an address before he was released from prison and at that time didn't have any relatives or friends he could live with, according to his filing to the appellate court. The filing said Seagle wrote to a number of halfway houses and was only accepted to live in one in Oklahoma City.

But that halfway house later informed him it was full and he could not live there. The filing said Seagle did not have money to rent a house or an apartment and he did not have access to the Internet in prison to help his search. It said Seagle "did not think he could put down that he would be living on a park bench and that if he did, he would probably get arrested again."

Critiquing another scare tactic courtesy of the local media

2010-08-26T20:21:00.000-05:00

Living in the Shoals is not all that great with all the fear-mongering and small town thinking resonating around this place. So it comes as no surprise to see a scare tactic in the local sale paper advertising that Big Brother child fingerprinting and DNA kit sponsored by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. What better way to get everyone to turn in their children's DNA to our federal government than by scaring you into believing your child's kidnapping is imminent? The TV show "South Park" covered the child abduction panic quite nicely. At any rate, I will break down this article and expose it's myths:

http://www.courierjournal.net/news/2010-08-25/This_Week_in_the_Shoals/A_CHILD_IS_TAKEN____And_Time_Is_Critical.html

FLORENCE–Every 40 seconds in the United States, a child is kidnapped.

COMMENTS: That is not true. In the NISMART-2, the definitive study of missing persons cases, and ironically sponsored by the NCMEC, found that in one year, there were 797,500 missing person reports, hence, the "every 40 seconds" bit. There is one major flaw in this logic. The NISMART-2 includes all missing person cases, including runaway children. The majority of missing person reports are of runaways. Of those who aren't runaways, the vast majority of "abductions" were by non-custodial parents. In fact, out of those 797,500 missing reports, only 115 were the so-called "stereotypical kidnappings" that people fear the most.

Law Enforcement officials insist that time is critical in the recovery of a missing child. Currently, there are over 603,000 registered sex offenders, threatening the safety of our children. That number grows daily children. That number grows daily and doesn’t include those with criminal minds who have simply not had the opportunity to take a child.

COMMENT: There are over 700,000 Registered individuals across the USA, but most are not a threat to children. Granted, we live in a state where we prosecute teens who have consensual relations with teens three years apart in age. The vast majority of sex crimes occur in the home, by a person the victim already knows and trusts, like a parent, and is most likely someone not on the sex offender list. Ninety-five percent of sex crimes are committed by someone not on the registry.

The John Walsh Child Safety Program equips parents with the vital tools needed in a crisis which can save law enforcement precious hours or days.

Elkins Funeral Home at 1535 Hermitage Drive in Florence is sponsoring a DNA LifePrint Child Safety Event Saturday, August 28, 9:30am-2pm in the Elkins parking lot.

COMMENT: I've never understood how they figure child fingerprinting and DNA helps prevent kidnapping. Honestly, it is more about data mining than anything else. A picture of the child is generally the biggest help in located a missing person. DNA would only be valuable in very rare incidents, like if a child is killed or dies from an accident out in the woods like that child in Arizona did recently.

Also joining us will be the Florence Police Department SWAT Team and the Florence Fire Department with Sparky the Robot and the Fire Safety House, Face Painting, and Bike Raffles.

Biometrics is the newest and most advanced technology available today for obtaining fingerprints. It is the same equipment presently used by Federal Agencies, Law Enforcement, and the US Military. Law Enforcement officials know that time is critical in the recovery of a missing child. The Biometric Technology allows a child’s fingerprints to be immediately submitted into the FBI Database as soon as they are reported missing. When the child’s fingerprints are entered into the FBI Database, the fingerprints become immediately available to all law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.

COMMENT: Again they make the statement time is of the essence. However, law enforcement is NOT going to set up roadblocks and fingerprint every kid matching a general description until they find a match. The technology has improved but is not infallible, and somehow I find it difficult to believe smaller police departments like Florence has them equipped in all squad cars.

The program is endorsed by John Walsh, host of the popular TV show, America’s Most Wanted.

Detective Sergeant Joe Matthews, a retired supervisor in charge of the homicide division for the City of Miami Beach Police Department, founded DNA LifePrint in association with Walsh after solving the nationally publicized “Baby Lollipop” homicide.

During his 35 year career as a criminal investigator, Matthews supervised and conducted over 20,000 criminal investigations and over 2000 death investigations. He has obtained confessions and convictions in numerous high-profile cases including several serial rapists. Matthews serves as an analyst/consultant with Fox News, USA Today, Associated Press, America’s Most Wanted among others.

COMMENT: The combo of Walsh and a Miami cop raises a red flag with me personally. Walsh has plenty of criticism for lying before Congress and inflating statistics and making outlandish public statements, while Miami has become an international embarassment for forcing registrants to live under the Julia Tuttle Causeway bridge.

Those attending the event Saturday will receive:

• a FREE FBI Certified Biometric 10 Digit Fingerprint Profile.

• a FREE high resolution full color Digital Photograph of your child.

• a FREE Child Safety Journal which will provide law enforcement officials with all the necessary vital information about your child and other important facts they will need immediately after a child is reported missing.

• a FREE Home DNA Identification Kit that is easy to use and lasts through generations.

There is no databasing: After each child goes through the line, parents are handed a Child Safety Journal which contains the Biometric Fingerprints, a Digital Photo, and a DNA Kit. The DNA Kit contains detailed instructions on how to use the DNA Kit at home. The only record of the visit is handed to you to take home: The event sponsor keeps no records on file. You will also be given John Walsh’s Child Safety Tips. All the information provided at this Child Safety Program is recommended by child safety experts and law enforcement officials to be updated every six months.

COMMENT: They may not "keep records" at this event, by my ex-girlfriend went to one and they took records of her kid at that time. There must be some money made on the kits since now you need to do it "every six months." Why? Does DNA and fingerprints change so drastically that six months later you have a fresh set? This may be all "voluntary," but someone's getting paid for this.

If a child comes up missing, parents greatly increase their chance of quickly recovering their child if they immediately provide a FBI Certified Biometric 10 Digit Fingerprint Profile, a DNA Sample, a High Resolution Full Color Photograph, and current statistical information.

COMMENT: I'm a bit guilty of using the oxymoron "comes up missing," but it is still funny to see it in print. Anyways, the picture I can understand, but considering it takes weeks for DNA testing, I fail to see its value except in identifying old remains or something.

The bottom line: The NCMEC makes money off of these kits, though they have limited value at best. For the most part, a good pic is all you need with a description. Most of the time, however, cases are events like runaways or a kid spending too much time somewhere he should not be, or went to a friend's house without permission. My brother ran away three times in a year when I was a kid, so some of those "missing person" reports are of the same person. If you feel this is valuable, don't let me stop you, but personally most anything the NCMEC sponsors should be taken with a grain of salt.

11th US Ct of Appeals sends sex offender suit back to court

2010-08-13T07:54:00.001-05:00

This is the longer and more detailed version of yesterday's headline.

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/08/federal_appeals_court_reverses.html

Federal appeals court reverses ruling on sex offenders' lawsuit

Published: Thursday, August 12, 2010, 8:30 AM

KENT FAULK, BIRMINGHAM NEWS

A federal appeals court has reversed a U.S. District Court judge's decision to throw out a lawsuit filed by four sex offenders who say Jefferson County's sheriff should not be allowed to hold them after serving their sentences just because they are poor and don't have a place to

call home.

Alabama's Community Notification Act requires that before convicted sex offenders can be freed at the end of their sentences, they must provide an address where they will live after their release. The residence must meet certain requirements, including not being within a certain distance of a school.

If an inmate completes a sentence but can not provide an approved address, he or she can be held by the local sheriff in jail indefinitely, according to the state law.

U.S. District Court Judge Scott Coogler in February 2009 threw out the four sex offenders' lawsuit.

The four men appealed the judge's decision to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Last week two of the three judges on the appeals panel issued an order reversing the judge's decision.

"The district court failed to appreciate that this claim, if successful, would not affect the validity of their conviction nor the resulting sentence imposed, and would not necessarily result in immediate release," according to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling.

One of the three judges had agreed that the judge had made the right decision in dismissing the case.

The lawsuit now goes back to Coogler, unless Hale or the State of Alabama seeks a rehearing before the appeals court.

"All this does really is let us proceed with this case," said Kira Fonteneau, attorney representing the sex offenders. "It's a great first step ... It (the appeals ruling) doesn't determine anything as to what is going to happen with the case."

Sheriff's officials said they will not appeal the ruling and will continue to fight the case in the lower court.

They feel strongly about it, Sheriff Mike Hale said, because victims of sexual assault and sexual abuse have a very difficult time putting their lives back together, if ever, especially victims who are children.

"The argument that these offenders have paid their debt carries little weight with us," Hale said. "The laws involving sex offenders were created with one thing in mind and that is to protect others from becoming victims."

"We strongly believe they are trying to create a loophole in that law by claiming to be indigent so they may go about in society unmonitored," Hale said. "We will fight that vigorously and look forward to the case being considered by the lower courts."

Closing a loophole

The sheriff said he will ask the state legislators to strengthen the law closing any such loophole possibility.

"We agree with the state of Alabama that they must provide a legitimate address before being released back into our society," he said.

Chief Deputy Randy Christian said investigators would have little success doing that if a sex offender was released without authorities having the ability to warn the public about who they are, what they look like and where they intend to live.

"Our job is to be advocates for crime victims and protect potential victims. Not only is that the right thing to do, but Sheriff Hale demands it," Christian said.

The four men -- Sidney Gipson, William McGuirk, Timothy Guthery and James Sasser -- had sued in 2008. Their lawsuit asks that a procedure be put in place to determine if they are indigent. If they are deemed indigent, provisions would be made for them to comply with the law without being indefinitely held in jail.

Lack of a process

If the state is going to require people to get housing then there ought to be some process for people who can't afford to get housing, Fonteneau said. "The law does not provide a process for law enforcement or the individual to deal with it ... There's just nothing there," she said.

Gipson and McGuirk remain in the Jefferson County Jail, while Guthery and Sasser have been released.

Fonteneau said she doesn't know exactly how many inmates in the Jefferson County jail are in the same position as the four men who filed the lawsuit.

Christian said Wednesday there were six inmates in the county jail who have provided addresses, but they aren't compliant with the law, so they haven't been released. Either the addresses don't exist or they fail to meet with guidelines, for example, being too close to a school, he said. One inmate continues to be held because he hasn't provided any address at all, he said.

E-mail: kfaulk@bhamnews.com

Lawsuit against keeping RSOs past EOS date reinstated

2010-08-12T14:41:00.001-05:00

The practice of arresting someone for "Failure To Register" in Alabama simply because a registrant lacks the ability to find a home after his/ her End Of Sentence date is draconian and should be abolished!

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20100812/APN/1008121106

Ala. sex offenders' lawsuit reinstated

The Associated Press

Published: Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 1:16 p.m.

A federal appeals court has reversed a U.S. District Court judge's decision and reinstated a lawsuit filed by four sex offenders.

The sex offenders say Jefferson County's sheriff should not be allowed to keep them in jail after they finish their sentences just because they don't have a place to call home. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sent the case back to a lowe court for reconsideration.

Alabama's Community Notification Act requires that before convicted sex offenders can be freed, they must provide an address where they will live after their release.
If an inmate completes a sentence but can not provide an approved address, he or she can be kept in jail.
The lawsuit now goes back to U.S. District Court Judge Scott Coogler.

Authorities stepping up efforts to combat child exploitation in North Alabama and the nation

2010-08-07T10:03:00.001-05:00

The National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction: Report to Congress Aug. 2010: http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/docs/natstrategyreport.pdf

It is a bit of grandstanding; however, the US Marshals are conducting regular compliance sweeps these days so it is good to be mindful of these type of announcements:

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/08/authorities_stepping_up_effort.html

Authorities stepping up efforts to combat child exploitation in north Alabama and nation

Published: Monday, August 02, 2010, 3:30 PM

KENT FAULK-- BIRMINGHAM NEWS

Two undercover operations have been launched to target online child exploitation in north Alabama, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Birmingham announced today.

The federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency in Birmingham and the Hoover Police Department are conducting one operation and the FBI office in Birmingham is conducting the other, according to the press release from U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance. Both operations were begun in the past 60 days. The announcement of the operations came in conjunction with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's announcement today of the U.S. Justice Department's first-ever National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction. That plan calls for specific goals for existing programs to combat online-predators and child pornography, and increase cooperation in investigations among federal, state and local agencies. Among the changes are that the U.S. Marshals Service is launching a nationwide operation to target the top 500 most dangerous sex offenders who are not complying with registration laws. The U.S. Justice Department also has added 38 more assistant U.S. Attorney positions around the country devoted to prosecuting child exploitation cases. The U.S. Attorney Office in Birmingham is not among those expected to get one of those assistants, said Peggy Sanford, a spokeswoman for the Birmingham office.

Person accused of sex crime actually acquitted!

2010-08-06T08:46:00.000-05:00

It is a rare occassion to see a man acquitted of a sex crime, even more so if the person accused is allegedly a registered sex offender.

http://www2.dothaneagle.com/news/2010/aug/05/houston-county-jury-acquits-ohio-man-sex-abuse-ar-669065/

Houston County jury acquits Ohio man of sex abuse

By Matt Elofson

Published: August 05, 2010

A Houston County jury acquitted an Ohio man Tuesday of sexually abusing a 7-year-old boy.

Gregory Hermans, 30, of Chester, Ohio, was arrested July 22, 2008, about five days after the alleged offense happened.

Assistant Distrist Attorney David Holmes said the boy testified during the trial of how he reported the sexual assault to his teacher and school principal. Holmes said the jury deliberated about four hours before returning with the not guilty.

Attorney David Hogg said his client Hermans was acquitted even though there was testimony his client was already convicted of attempted rape and of failure to register as a sex offender.

Hogg said argued that neither the child’s mother of the child’s school principal believed the child was molested by the defendant.

Cullman County to make entering a park a felony for RSOs

2010-07-28T12:47:00.000-05:00

Since the state legislature will not reconvene until next year, there is plenty of time to counter this:

http://www.cullmantimes.com/local/x1037670704/County-seeks-felony-status-for-sex-offenders-in-parks

July 28, 2010

County seeks felony status for sex offenders in parks

By Benjamin Bullard T

he Cullman Times

CULLMAN — Registered sex offenders are finding recreation options in Cullman County harder and harder to come by.

The Cullman County Commission unanimously agreed Tuesday to join with other county municipalities in making it a crime for sex offenders to enter public parks. Unlike Hanceville and Dodge City, which recently passed ordinances making the transgression a misdemeanor offense, the county intends to make it a felony for perpetrators to enter any of the five public parks in the Cullman County park system.

In order to do that, the commission will have to get some help from the state legislature. By statute, the county commission cannot pass laws designating criminal offenses and must have a member of the local legislative delegation introduce a bill to incorporate the new law into the Code of Alabama. That, said commission chairman James Graves, will not happen before the start of the 2011 legislative session early next year.

“We passed a resolution today requesting our legislators to introduce a bill next year that will make this a felony,” said Graves. “So far, we have heard from (House district 11 Rep.) Jeremy Oden, and he is very receptive of it. We believe the others will support it as well.”

While a bill has not been drafted yet, the commission recommended the inclusion of language that would make “each entry into such [county park] areas, regardless of the time period between such entries...constitute a separate offense under this ordinance...anyone who is found in violation of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class C felony.”

Associate commissioner Doug Williams said the measure is intended to keep registered sex offenders out of the way of locations—such as parks where children often play with limited supervision— that could invite repeat offenses.

"It's a statewide trend to protect our children, and we're using our ability as a legislative body to do this," Williams said. "We don't want sex offenders around our children."

Graves agreed, saying the law should help supplement existing laws by equipping local enforcement with a local ordinance that carries more weight.

“If there’s something lacking in the laws we have, then I’m all for giving law enforcement some more teeth in a law that allows them to do something where we’re having problems,” he said. “At Sportsman Lake in particular, we now have more and more children coming around with all the improvements that have been made there, and we want to make sure this kind of problem doesn’t arise in the future.”

Cullman County operates five public parks: Smith Lake Park, Sportsman Lake Park, Clarkson Covered Bridge, Stoney Lonesome OHV Park and Lions’ Club Landing at Cold Springs. Graves said Tuesday the commission had not yet discussed how enforcement at Sportsman Lake Park, which is wholly within the city limits of Cullman, would be handled if the bill becomes law.

Scam Alert: sexoffenders-offenders.info

2010-07-25T22:27:00.000-05:00

There are a number of people willing to prey upon people's fears. There are a number of websites willing to sell registered sex offender info to the highest bidder. Below is one such website:

http://alabamarecords.sexoffenders-offenders.info/

Access any Alabama sex-offenders records with detailed and accurate information! All registered sex-offenders records of Alabama - get it here!

Sexoffendes-offendersr.info is the best possible place to venture into the records of Alabama Sex Offenders.Register with us today to avail the most authentic and updated sex-offenders’ records in any corner of Alabama from the comfort of your home

I hate to say this, but I do not pity anyone who falls prey to this website. If you read the typos throughout the site, it becomes obvious it is run by a foreign company that speaks broken English. On the contact page it says, "We are looking ahead to hear from you." I'm not an English major, but it should say, "We are looking FORWARD to HEARING from you!"

The site goes on:

Do not be confused about which site to choose if you are looking for sex-offenders records in Alabama, US. Everyday thousands of people register with us to be sure of getting all comprehensive and updated information on the sex offenders who can be a danger to your family and your children any day. So do not waste time, be aware and be sure to protect your child from any sexual predator. We boast of our huge and comprehensive database which is enriched with all registered sex offenders’ records in Alabama. So make your search to stop the impending danger today and get the best results.

The search site for Alabama sex-offenders records is professionally designed and updated on regular basis to offer you the latest records. Take the privilege of our smart search tools which make your search so effortless! Here you can track down the sexual predators and their crimes so easily.

If that is not enough to scare the bejeezus out of someone, they follow-up with a scary statistic. The site uses a stat pulled out of the ether with the claim 225 million children are sexually "abuse" every year. Only thing is, there are only 74.5 million kids in the USA. Stats laundering is quite common in places that promote public or privately run sex offender registries.

A Whois search lists the company as working out of India. Are we outsourcing our sex offender registry or something these days?

Consider this my good deed for the day. Never trust a site offering their own privately-run registry. You end up getting more than you bargained for.

Fugitive RSO hunter arrested in Florida

2010-07-24T08:09:00.000-05:00

There is an old saying the one that screams loudest about someone else has the most to hide. A Florida self-professed vigilante, Barbara Farris, is one such person. She was arrested for "Menacing," a class B misdemeanor. She put a loaded gun to someone's head. Personally she should serve more time than 6 months but I hope the judge throws the book at this scumbag. Harassing and threatening registered individuals is a crime.

http://blog.al.com/live/2010/07/sex_offender_hunter_arrested_i.html

'Sex offender hunter' arrested in Florida on Alabama charge (with video)

Published: Friday, July 23, 2010, 12:27 PM Updated: Friday, July 23, 2010, 12:28 PM

ORLANDO, Florida -- Barbara Farris -- the president of a group known as the Bee Squad, which tracks sex offenders around central Florida -- was arrested Thursday on a warrant from Alabama on a charge of menacing, according to a report on CF News 13.

Farris received notoriety for leading a charge to put up cameras at an Orlando trailer park to monitor sex offenders has been arrested. The arrest warrant was out of Coffee County, Alabama, and Farris' last known address is in Enterprise, Alabama, but further details about the Alabama allegations were not immediately available.

SO spotted at Chuck E. Cheese's doing nothing! OMG!

2010-07-24T08:01:00.001-05:00

This is a non-story turned into a fearmongering "OMG!" story by the mass media. Actually, there is NO law that bars RSOs from any place but schools, but the mass media does not believe it. Shame on WAFF!

http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=12862304

Sex offender spotted at Shoals Chuck E Cheese
Posted: Jul 23, 2010 5:30 PM CDT Updated: Jul 23, 2010 6:48 PM CDT
By Nick Lough - bio | email

SHEFFIELD, AL (WAFF)- Authorities confronted a sex offender at the Chuck E. Cheese in Sheffield, but didn't arrest him. Police said he was doing nothing wrong.

Witnesses say a woman at the noticed the registered Lauderdale County sex offender inside the restaurant around lunch time Friday.

The man had been found guilty of sexually abusing a 13-year-old several years ago.
Sheffield police confronted the man inside the restaurant, and he told them he was there for a birthday party.

According to Alabama state law, because his victim was older than twelve, the man is still allowed to attend functions at establishments like Chuck E. Cheese as long as he lets authorities know of his intentions before hand.

"If the birthday party starts at six, you get there at six not any minute before, and if it ends at seven, you have to get off that property at seven, you cant stay on the property outside of your scope of the purpose of being there," said Kelly Muston, Lauderdale Co. Sheriff's Dept.

Investigators say the man did nothing wrong. Chuck E. Cheese also did not make the man leave the property after learning of his past.
©2010 WAFF. All rights reserved.

Update: Greg Barlett loses race

2010-07-20T21:27:00.000-05:00

As reported on the news, Greg Bartlett lost his runoff election. I'm not sad at all, quite frankly. I DID notice something interesting the other day, however. I went back to the Beltline Kroger store in Decatur and the big sign I posted previously disappeared. I wonder if it had anything to do with my critique of the sign? Hm.

Morgan County Sheriff's Race: Which is lesser of two evils?

2010-07-11T08:29:00.000-05:00

After reading this, quite frankly I don't like either candidate. Both are exploiting sex offenders to garner votes.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/detail/63987.html

Morgan County sheriff’s race

The sheriff is the top law enforcement officer in Morgan County. Duties of the office include providing protection through deputy patrols throughout the county; responding to riotous situations and making decisions to control violence; preparing and managing a $10 million budget for the Sheriff’s Office and county jail; and supervision of 200 employees, including deputies and courthouse security officers.
The term is four years, and the pay is $66,410 per year.
Incumbent Sheriff Greg Bartlett and Ana Franklin are vying for the Republican nomination in Tuesday’s primary runoff election.

The Daily gave the candidates an opportunity to address voters and this is what they said:
Greg Bartlett’s statement
“If you or a family member ever becomes a victim of crime, you want the leader of the Sheriff’s Office to have a background in law enforcement that you can trust. I have 28 years of law enforcement experience and 26 as a supervisor in every division. My opponent has no law enforcement supervision experience and only four years of service as a deputy. I have personally investigated and supervised every major type of crime in this county, and I am the only candidate able to lead and train my staff in a manner to make you proud. Before I was elected, the Sheriff’s Office was ranked last in the state on making drug arrests. Now, we are ranked first with over 1,500 drug and meth lab busts. Through my leadership we have lowered the crime rate, solved all 12 homicides and tracked all sex offenders. I have obtained over $2.7 million in funding through drug forfeitures and grants in order to train and equip our deputies without any cost to the taxpayers. Local police chiefs, my former opponent Noel Mayfield, my deputies and staff have endorsed me publicly.
I ask you to look at my qualifications and vote July 13 for experience that you can count on in Morgan County.”
Ana Franklin’s statement
“I believe the sheriff is responsible for the safety of the citizens, but also has a duty to operate the office with credibility, professionalism and respect. My career has been about service to the community and to the victims I am sworn to protect, from my first meth bust to serving as the only drug endangered child officer to helping obtain the longest sentence in Morgan County history, 218 years for a child molester. I have worked in all areas of investigations, including undercover narcotics and homicide. No candidate has a tougher record on crime than I do or is more dedicated to upholding the law. This is why the Fraternal Order of Police endorsed me as their choice for sheriff. I will restore the quality of service Morgan County deserves by re-opening satellite offices, providing law enforcement in our schools and training additional narcotics officers. I will be fair, accessible and accountable to you and use your tax dollars in the manner they are meant to be spent. I believe it is not only the number of years one wears a badge, but the character behind it that determines the ability to lead.
Honor me with your vote, and I’ll work every day to earn it.”
Greg Bartlett
Age: 48.
Residence: Hartselle.
Law enforcement experience: 28 years, includes Hartselle Police Department, patrolman to supervisor of investigations; and head of the Morgan County district attorney’s worthless check unit. Sheriff since 2002.
Wife: Chastity Bartlett.
Ana Franklin
Age: 45.
Residence: Priceville.
Law enforcement experience: Four years as an investigator with the sheriff’s department, including the drug task force and child sex crimes; and volunteer work with other agencies.

Parents Push to ban Sex Offenders from ALL parks statewide

2010-07-06T20:39:00.000-05:00

There must be something in the drinking water here in the Shoals-- it is a cesspool of Predator Panic and stupidity.

http://www.whnt.com/news/shoals/whnt-parents-push-to-ban-sex-offenders-from-parks,0,3704919.story

Parents Push to Ban Sex Offenders From Parks

Mary Stackhouse

Shoals Bureau Reporter

4:09 PM CDT, July 5, 2010

FLORENCE

Sex offenders aren't allowed in Hanceville city parks any longer, and people in the Shoals think it should be that way all over the state.

Last week, the Cullman County city council voted unanimously to prohibit people convicted of sex crimes from being on city park property. While one city council passes an ordinance to ban sex offenders from public parks, some parents in Florence believe a ban isn't enough.

They want a state law making it illegal for convicted sex offenders to hang out where children and families play.

Currently there are 80 registered sex offenders living in the quad cities. Parents at Deibert Park in Florence say parks are places sex offenders just don't belong.

The last thing Jennifer Blair says she wants to think about when taking her two kids to the park is whether a registered sex offender is around. That's why Blair says banning them from parks is a no-brainer.

"You're not going to change a sex offender. Once they do it, they're going to do it again. It may take time, but it just takes that one little click and they're going to do it again," said Blair.

Blair and other parents at the Florence park agree that it's time a statewide law was passed that would prohibit registered sex offenders from setting foot inside city parks.

Out of all four Shoals cities, Sheffield has the most registered sex offenders at 30. Florence has the next largest number at 23. 20 registered sex offenders have home addresses in Tuscumbia, and in Muscle Shoals, seven are listed.

"It actually scares me," said Blair. "Being from California, I do have my guard up, so I'm aware of my surroundings, but some people aren't."

Parents at Deibert Park say they're ready for lawmakers to step up and take action before any damage is done. If nothing else, Blair says photos of registered sex offenders should at least be posted at city parks on a sign, to make people visiting the park more aware.

"If it was posted at the actual park they go to, they'll know who it is who's sitting next to them or walking by them in the park and then be more aware and be able to put their guard up a bit more," said Blair.

Human Trafficking now a felony in Alabama

2010-07-06T12:03:00.001-05:00

There is an increasing awareness of human trafficking in America, and Alabama has joined 44 other states in this awareness. I think increasing awareness is great, though I have my concerns with our hypersensitive culture abusing these laws.

http://www.governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/pr-2010-06-25-01-human_trafficking-photo.asp

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley on Friday marked the passage of a new state law against human trafficking that supporters say will lead to more prosecutions of what is considered modern-day slavery.

Governor Riley was joined by legislators and other bill supporters at the State Capitol for a ceremonial signing of the act that makes human trafficking a felony in Alabama.

Human trafficking occurs when people are forced into involuntary servitude through violence or threats, often as prostitutes or laborers. Alabama has seen several high-profile cases of human trafficking in recent years. Now, with a state law making human trafficking a felony, state and local law enforcement officers -- and not just the FBI -- are able to investigate the crime in the state.

“We cannot be fooled into thinking this crime happens only in other places. It’s happening right here in Alabama,” said Governor Riley. “This new law gives our law enforcement officers another way to protect people.”

The new law brings Alabama in line with 44 other states that criminalize human trafficking. It goes into effect on July 1.

In addition to criminalizing human trafficking, the new law provides mandatory restitution for victims and gives them a means to bring civil cases against traffickers.

“This is the most comprehensive law against human trafficking in the entire nation. We went from having no law to having one that is considered a model for the rest of the nation,” said Representative Jack Williams, a sponsor of the bill in the Legislature.

Volunteers with the Birmingham-based group Freedom to Thrive joined Governor Riley, Representative Williams, and bill co-sponsors Representative Merika Coleman and Senator Wendell Mitchell, at the bill signing ceremony on Friday. The non-profit group works to raise awareness and eliminate human trafficking in the state.

Here are examples of recent human trafficking cases in Alabama that were in federal court, as reported by the Birmingham News in February 2010:

• A federal grand jury in Birmingham indicted a Florence man in December 2009 on charges of coercing a minor to engage in prostitution and harboring an illegal immigrant.

• Three Kansas City-area companies and 12 people were accused in a federal indictment last year of operating a nationwide human trafficking and racketeering scheme that involved fraudulent labor contracts in 14 states, including Alabama.

• Police in 2007 raided a prostitution ring in Albertville that authorities claimed was forcing women from Latin American countries into prostitution.

ReFORM Alabama Summer 2010 Newsletter now available

2010-07-06T11:26:00.000-05:00

If you would like a PDF copy of the ReFORM Alabama Newsletter emailed to you, email me at iamthefallen1@yahoo.com. The newsletter is free and can be reprinted and distributed. The newsletter was created primarily for those that cannot obtain internet access, such as those on probation/ parole or prison inmates. The newsletter is a summary of stories posted here.

Hanceville ordinance bans RSOs from parks

2010-07-05T09:39:00.000-05:00

There are a lot of legal activities conducted in parks, so I cannot see this passing Constitutional muster if challenged. Alabama has certainly had its issues with segregation over the years, and this is no exception. So you can be arrested simply for being in the park while a registrant?

http://www.cullmantimes.com/local/x1703948294/Sex-offenders-banned-from-parks

July 3, 2010
SEX OFFENDERS BANNED FROM PARKS

By Benjamin Bullard The Cullman Times

HANCEVILLE — Hanceville parks became less welcoming to registered sex offenders last week after the city council passed an ordinance prohibiting persons convicted of sex crimes from visiting the city's public parks.

The council unanimously voted in favor of the law, adding to a growing list of towns and governments nationwide passing similar measures to prevent offenders from frequenting areas perceived to be fertile ground for sexual predators. The ordinance makes it a class C misdemeanor for a registered sex offender to be on city park property—a crime punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail.

Mayor Kenneth Nail said he approached the council with the idea for the law after observing news reports of a similar proposal the California legislature is considering passing statewide.

"I don't usually like what comes out of California, but I saw this and thought, 'that's a wonderful thing to do, to be proactive,'" said Nail. "We did this for the protection of children in Hanceville, and I think that's the only reason there should be for a council to do this."

The ordinance, which had come before the council in early June, was adopted unanimously when it came up a second time at the June 24 meeting. In addition to school facilities, four Hanceville parks will be affected by the new law: C.W. Day Park, Veterans Park, The Hanceville Recreation and Wellness Center and Donald Hamby park.

While Hanceville proper does not have a large number of registered offenders, Nail said there are a number of sex offenders who have a Hanceville address and who live in the southern portion of Cullman County.

"A lot of people believe Hanceville has a lot of sex offenders living here, because they have a Hanceville address," said Nail. "But we don't have a lot of them living in the city. The Hanceville post office covers an area that goes up to Cold Springs mountain, and to the edge of Good Hope—a big area; a lot of rural area.

"We have had, in the past, folks just sitting there at the swimming pool looking, and we didn't really feel they were up to any good. Research on the history of sexual predators shows that many of them are going to scope out playgrounds; they're going to scope out parks. And the council and I just did not want the convicted sex offenders sitting in our parks. If we realize someone is a sex offender sitting in our park, we're going to arrest them."

"And it doesn't matter where they're from, Hanceville or somewhere else," said council member Joanne Walls. "They can be from Timbuktu, and if they break the law here, they're going to be arrested."

* Benjamin Bullard can be reached by e-mail at bbullard@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 270.

Anti-Clustering law takes effect in Jefferson Co. Only!

2010-07-01T17:06:00.001-05:00

There was no notice of this, and the statewide anti-clustering bill has stalled out in the House, so why am I only hearing about this now?

The senator responsible for this travesty is Sen. Priscilla Dunn. Here is her contact info:

State House:	Room 729 11 S. Union Street Montgomery, AL 36130 (334) 242-7793 Fax: (334) 353-9625
Home:	460 Carriage Hills Drive Bessemer, AL 35022 (205) 426-3795

http://www.al.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/national-132/1277985654219030.xml&storylist=alabamanews

New sex offender rules take effect in Ala. county

7/1/2010, 6:34 a.m. CDT The Associated Press

(AP) — BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A new law that limits the number of registered sex offenders living together in Jefferson County is in effect.

The law, passed by the Legislature in the recent session, bars landlords from housing more than one registered sex offender under one roof. It requires offenders who live in an apartment to reside at least 100 yards from each other.

The measure took effect Thursday.

Sgt. Jacob Reach, who oversees the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office sex offender unit, says people already living at a facility housing multiple offenders will be grandfathered in under the law, but no new person can move into the facility.
___
Information from: The Birmingham News, http://www.al.com/birminghamnews

Decatur Police hires private citizens for passing out registry fliers

2010-06-27T10:28:00.000-05:00

I know it is perfectly legal to allow private citizens to do some police work, but I still have my concerns. First off, Sheriff Greg Bartlett runs quite an array of fear-mongering messages. Maybe it is Bartlett's way of trying to make people forget about the fact he neglected the dietary needs of inmates awaiting trial while he pocketed over $100k in taxpayer money, and ended up locked up in his own jail. Given that fact, I have my doubts as to the training given to thise private citizens.

Since Greg Bartlett is facing a very close runoff election soon, I'm sure he's pulling out all the stops.

On to the story now:

http://www.decaturdaily.com/detail/63004.html

The Decatur Police Department will accept applications for the 2010 Citizens Police Academy until Sept. 7. The program acquaints residents with the operation of the police department. The class is free, but class size is limited to 25 participants....
Members of this organization help with duties such as working the front desk at the Police Department, maintaining the Community Resource Center, registering convicted sex offenders, notifying the community of convicted sex offenders living in the Decatur area and assisting the Criminal Investigations Division.

Lack of ID Card sends SO back to jail

2010-06-26T15:16:00.000-05:00

There is more to this story than what is written. In case anyone does not know this, Alabama is one of the few states that mark state-issued identification cards for sex offenders-- here it says "Criminal Sex Offender" in red letters around the bottom of the card. It is nothing more than a literal scarlet letter. Note the three year age difference between him and his "victim," who willingly participated in the "crime." Even the Adam Walsh Act sets a four year age difference.

http://enewscourier.com/local/x383284172/Lack-of-ID-card-sends-sex-offender-back-to-jail

Lack of ID card sends sex offender back to jail

By Jean Cole jean@athensnews-courier.com

— An Athens man who had to register as a sexual offender for having a consensual sexual relationship with an underage girl has been arrested for failing to have an ID card identifying him as a registered offender, an official said.

Bernardo Ocampo Sanchez, 22, of 19575 Looney Road is being held in the Limestone County Jail for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents because he is in the country illegally, said Limestone County Chief Investigator Capt. Stanley McNatt.

Sanchez was arrested in 2006 and convicted of second-degree rape for having a consensual sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. He was 18 at the time.

He registered as a sex offender in February 2008.

In accordance with the federal Community Notification Act, also known as Megan’s Law, sex offenders are required to have a valid driver’s license or state ID card that identifies him or her as a convicted sex offender, McNatt said.

He said Sanchez had been given an opportunity to obtain a card.

Calhoun Co. gets iris scan technology

2010-06-23T09:09:00.001-05:00

Do we NEED Iris scans? Honestly? Of course, that it will be used on sex offenders is the selling point.

http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Calhoun-Co-Gets-New-Technology/W5fyZBi5IkynNMgoU_Po1Q.cspx

Calhoun Co. Gets New Technology
Reported by: Al Ratcliffe
Last Update: 6/22 9:34 pm

Lawmen in East Alabama now have new tool in their arsenal. They don't shoot it, throw it, or use it for cuffs. They use it to take pictures. Very high resolution pictures of very tiny things.

It's called the IRIS, or Inmate Recognition and Identification System. And it's used to map the tiny points of the iris in the human eye. Sean Mullin is training members of the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office on how to use it. Mullin says no two irises are alike. So they're just as good or better than fingerprints as a way to identify people.

The main use in Calhoun County will be in the jail. Adding to the database of known criminals. Using the IRIS, it will be a lot more difficult to let the wrong person out of jail. It will also be used to help keep track of sex offenders. Sheriff Larry Amerson says even if someone gives a false name or identification, one quick picture of the suspect's iris will let cops know who the person is.

The system is currently in 47 different departments across the nation. And Calhoun County is the only agency in Alabama with it.

Besides keeping track of criminals, the IRIS system is also a good tool to use in the case of kidnapped or missing children

US Congress: Stop HR 5072

2010-06-14T19:30:00.000-05:00

Yet another federal law targeting sex offenders. HR 5072, the FHA (Fed. Housing Authority) Reform Act of 2010 will ban registrants from getting housing assistance fro the FHA. Contact your FEDERAL congressman today and oppose this asinine law!

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/amendment.xpd?session=111&amdt=h691

Commentary on this bill, courtesy of eAdvocate:

http://sexoffenderresearch.blogspot.com/2010/06/action-alert-sex-offenders-and-fha.html

Richard Shelby slams Census Bureau for hiring RSOs

2010-06-14T09:47:00.004-05:00

I don't like Richard Shelby these days. Not every sex offender is a threat, nor will background checks guarantee anything if a person either has no record or lies to get in. Thanks for showing more stupidity in Alabama politics!

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/05/24/sen-shelby-slams-census-bureau-allowing-sex-offenders-door-door/

Sen. Shelby Slams Census Bureau for Allowing Sex Offenders to Go Door-to-Door

After two cases of alleged criminals going door-to-door to take surveys, Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby said Monday that the U.S. Census Bureau must do more to prevent hiring census takers with a criminal background.

In a letter to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke sent Monday, Shelby wrote that when he asked Locke during a Senate hearing last year about guidelines to disqualify applicants, including sex offenders and people who've committed crimes against children, he was told the measures would ensure "each applicant is an acceptable risk to collect census information from residents of a community as a representative of our government."

"It is inconceivable that the Census Bureau could be so poorly managed as to hire a convicted sex offender to go door-to-door to collect personal information," Shelby said. "Clearly, Mr. Secretary, your guidelines are not working."

The letter followed news last week that a sex offender in New Jersey had spent two weeks in May interviewing residents while carrying around an official Census badge, bag and list of residents who hadn't returned their surveys.

Frank Kuni reportedly had used fake documents under the name Jamie Shephard to pass an initial name check and receive four days of training.

But an alert resident recognized the 47-year-old from the state's Internet sex offender registry.

Kuni, who was charged with using a fraudulent document to get government ID, was fingerprinted during his first day of training but when Census officials learned on the last day of training that Kuni had been flagged for a previous arrest, he was already out the door with his assignment, Fernando E. Armstrong, director of the U.S. Census Bureau's Philadelphia region, told the Courier News.

He was arrested four days later.

"From our perspective, the process that was put in place and has been used across the country worked in this case," Armstrong told the newspaper, acknowledging that an earlier return of the background check would've prevented Kuni from reaching the street.

In a separate case in Indiana, a volunteer census worker named Daniel Miller allegedly raped and beat a 21-year-old physically handicapped woman after returning to her home in the middle of the night following an interview earlier in the day.

Shelby said that during the 2000 Census, one in four of the 930,000 applicants for the temporary jobs were flagged by the FBI and prevented from working.

"The Census Bureau spent $2.5 million on a Super Bowl advertisement to encourage participation in the Census and has gone to great lengths to assure Americans that they should open their doors to Census workers. The lack of adequate oversight is unacceptable," Shelby wrote.

"What is even more objectionable is that it does not appear from public statements on the incident that the Census Bureau admits fault or even acknowledges that their screening procedures are not working," he wrote.

WHNT- Myric Hotel Demolished

2010-06-07T17:59:00.001-05:00

What I see happening in Alabama (and many other places) is the news prompts fear and hysteria and a call to shut down low-income housing, which is the best many ex-felons struggling to obtain jobs and housing can afford. Sad. Stable housing and employment reduces recidivism among ex-felons.

http://www.whnt.com/news/whnt-myric-motel-demolished,0,5525914.story

WHNT Myric Motel Demolished Amber Stuart WHNT Reporter 5:13 PM CDT, June 7, 2010 HUNTSVILLE [Image] A motel that's been a Huntsville landmark and later became home to sex offenders is being leveled.

Demolition crews started tearing up the Myric Motel last week.

Huntsville Police have kept up with sex offenders who have lived there over the years. Before the demolition nine registered sex offenders called the motel home. The number of registered sex offenders fluctuated at the Myric Motel. But the last count was nine men. "By law they have to register with us when they move," said Madison County Sheriff Investigator Brent Patterson. That way, law enforcement can warn people when they are moving into their neighborhood. "We let the community know when they are living in that area, when they are moving to that area, and they want to establish residency there," said Patterson.
Of the registered sex offenders who were living at the Myric Motel, Huntsville Police say one man has moved out of town. Two men are in Alabama prisons on parole violations, and two are missing. They say one man is living in Madison County. Three of them are living in Huntsville on Knight Road.

Brent Patterson with the Madison County Sheriff's Department says they aren't just watching the Myric Motel sex offenders. "It's not just them, we have sex offenders all over the place. It's our job. It's not anything we like or dislike. It's our job to maintain where they're at what they're around: schools, daycares, my kids, your kids anybody's kids and make sure they don't violate the law again," said Patterson. The two men Huntsville Police are looking for, Federico Camacho-Serna and Robert Townsend. It's a felony crime for failing to register as a sex offender. Right now, it's unclear what the land will be used for once it's cleared.

Say goodbye, Troy King, Tim James

2010-06-02T08:19:00.001-05:00

http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=12578841

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Birmingham lawyer Luther Strange has defeated incumbent Troy King for the Republican nomination for Alabama attorney general. With about three-fourths of the votes counted Tuesday night, Strange had about 60 percent of the vote to King's 40 percent. Strange had the backing of Republican Gov. Bob Riley and other top GOP figures in a bitter, closely watched race. Riley appointed King in 2004, but the two have since split in a heated dispute over electronic bingo.

Sorry Troy, I won't miss you. Maybe if you didn't rely so much on sex offender issues you would not have lost. People are getting sick of Predator Panic.

By the way, the other politico exploiting sex offender issues, Republican Tim James, ALSO lost last night.

This reminds me of my Sex Offender Issue theory. Politicians relying on sex offender issues to get votes usually means one of the following:

1. They are severely deficient in other areas of concern to voters, such as views on taxes, education, health care, or the economy.

2. They are desperate for attention, and/ or

3. They are closet sex offenders a la Mark Foley.

Alabama politics may be a joke, but at least with two clowns out of the running, it may not be so bad.

Alabama politics is a joke, says New York Times.

2010-05-29T08:58:00.000-05:00

Alabama Politics is an embarassment. Only in Alabama do we have a candidate for Governor demanding English-only exams for driver's licences. Of course, I'm speaking of Tim James, the same clown wanting to increase registration times for registrants. I wonder if he realizes regisrants ALREADY do face to face registration with the sheriff? Probably, but he assumes the people don't.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/29/opinion/29collins.html?emc=tnt&tntemail0=y

May 28, 2010

Alabama Goes Viral

By GAIL COLLINS

Alabama goes to the polls!
O.K., not an opening likely to maintain reader interest. Let’s start again, with the words of Dale Peterson, candidate for agriculture commissioner in Tuesday’s Republican primary:
“Listen up! Alabama ag commissioner is one of the most powerful positions in Alabama. Responsible for five billion dollars. Bet you didn’t know that. You know why? Thugs and criminals!”
This is the start of Peterson’s campaign ad. He rides into the screen on a horse that looks increasingly worried as things progress. Brandishing a rifle, the 64-year-old farmer barks at the camera about his opponent (“a dummy”), somebody stealing his yard signs and immigrants being “bused in by the thousands.” The overall effect is like being cornered at a party by an eccentric neighbor who thinks the garbage man is spying on him for the federal government. It’s extremely popular.
There is quite a lot of this sort of thing going on this campaign season. You raise enough cash to film an outrageous ad. Then you post it on the Web and pray that it goes viral, gets mentioned on the cable talk shows and draws in enough donations to put the thing on TV.
The trend goes back to Demon Sheep, the legendary ad for Carly Fiorina’s campaign for the Senate nomination in California. It had regular sheep and then cartoon sheep and then a guy crawling around the ground disguised as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He had on a cardboard mask with red light bulbs for eyes. I believe the message was supposed to be fiscal responsibility, but really, all you got was Demon Sheep. Red eyes. Carly Fiorina.
The man who made it, Fred Davis III, then took up the cause of Tim James, a deeply unremarkable Alabama businessman who wants to be governor. To separate James from the crowd, Davis came up with “Language,” a 30-second ad in which the candidate stared at the camera and demanded to know why “our politicians make us give driver’s license exams in 12 languages.” (The actual answer is: a federal court ruling.)
“This is Alabama. We speak English. If you want to live here, learn it,” James said irritably. “We’ll only give the test in English if I’m governor. Maybe it’s the businessman in me, but we’ll save money.”
James’s staff insisted it was fiscal conservatism, not xenophobia, that put their candidate on the driver’s license warpath. But Alabama’s tests are automatically graded by computer, using federally financed software — even the approximately 2 percent that are taken in a language other than English. Given the fact that the state would probably have to defend the policy in court, James’s idea would actually be a new expense.
But I cannot emphasize how totally beside the point all that is. “Language” went viral. “This is the first election in a long time where the fate of the campaign really did change on a single ad,” said David Lanoue, chairman of the University of Alabama political science department.
James is now one of the front-runners, despite a last-minute crisis involving a rumor that he believed the state was spending too much money on the University of Alabama football coach, who makes $4.1 million a year. Which James vigorously denied wanting to cut. It’s the businessman in him.
He now has a sequel to the driver’s license ad, in which he says that as a businessman, he feels sex offenders should be required to “re-register with the state, face to face, every 90 days.”
“Some politicians think that might inconvenience the sex offenders,” James said somberly. He did not explain who those politicians were, but I suspect the same guys who keep stealing Dale Peterson’s signs.
This has been a peculiar political year, even for Alabama. James’s biggest opponent, Bradley Byrne, was attacked by a group called True Republican PAC, which ran an ad charging that Byrne supported the teaching of evolution.
Byrne, who has multiple degrees and was chancellor of the state community college system, indignantly denied the charges.
But wait, there’s more. It turns out that True Republican PAC was bankrolled by the state teachers’ union, which is angry at Byrne for trying to ban teachers from holding second jobs as state legislators. The Alabama Education Association apparently felt a good payback would be to spend $500,000 on a group that encourages people to vote against any candidate who believes there is a scientific explanation for the origin of life.
Meanwhile, over in the Fifth Congressional District primary, Les Phillip, a Republican, has an ad that features him telling a story of two young African-American men. One did great, served his country and became Les Phillip, while the other fell in with terrorists and other bad company and became Barack Obama.
So far, this is only on the Web, but the campaign is hoping to go viral.

Greg Bartlett, fear mongering sheriff

2010-05-26T13:46:00.002-05:00

I was cruising through Decatur the other day and saw this sign. I wonder if Morgan Co. Sheriff Greg Bartlett realizes most of his sex crime arrests are of first time offenders? Well, if anyone else besides me wants to educate this sheriff on the facts, he was kind enough to post a link to his website.

MY VIEW: Penalities for sex offenders out of step

2010-05-18T14:45:00.000-05:00

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2010/05/my_view_penalties_for_sex_offe.html

MY VIEW: Penalties for sex offenders out of step

By Special to The Birmingham News

May 16, 2010, 5:35AM

By CECIL M. JONES JR.
At the suggestion of a friend, I recently became a volunteer at the Shiloni Transformational Ministry for Homeless Sex Offenders. Shiloni is a faith-based program in Birmingham founded five years ago by Bill and Barbara Grier to help sex offenders after they get out of prison by providing them a temporary place to live while they try to find a job.
The ministry addresses their spiritual and physical needs. All offenders are difficult to help, but sex offenders are more so. Shiloni is the only program of its kind in the entire state.
Recently, the Legislature unanimously passed and the governor signed into law a bill affecting where sex offenders may live. Already, under a prior law, sex offenders cannot live or work less than 3,000 yards from a college, school or day care center.
I believe such constraints are reasonable, but the new law is not.
For example, along with other ill-conceived requirements, the law says no more than one adult criminal sex offender and one unrelated juvenile sex offender can live in the same house, and only one sex offender may live in an apartment complex within 100 yards of the residence of another sex offender.
Basically, the thrust and intent of the law are that sex offenders may not live anywhere.
However Draconian and unfair it may be, it is easy to pass a law in Alabama affecting sex offenders. I believe that if a bill were proposed to brand offenders on the forehead with the letters "SO," it would pass the Legislature unanimously.
Like other people, I thought I knew all I needed to know about sex offenders: Put them in prison and throw away the key. Case closed.
It is not that easy. We think we know what a sex offender is, but we do not. What do a 17-year-old boy having consensual sex with his 15-year-old girlfriend, a streaker, and a drunk, naked frat boy rolling around on the front lawn of his fraternity house shouting "Roll Tide" have in common?
According to Alabama law, they are all "sex offenders." Once arrested and found guilty, they are branded for life.
The streaker and the drunk frat boy are easily dismissed, but the two teenagers are not. Alabama law holds that a girl under the age of 16 cannot agree to consensual sex with a boy older than she is; therefore, the boy is a rapist and a sex offender.
Ridiculous? Think again. I know such a boy in the Shiloni program. Mom and dad get mad, and the boy gets jail.
Or, consider "Brad." Brad's father left when he was 1 month old. He was later molested by his half-sister's husband. When he was 14, his mother suddenly died. Brad was alone and an emotional wreck.
He then started acting out sexually. He was arrested and sent to the state juvenile detention center at Mt. Meigs, where his life was saved. However, when Brad was released at age 18, he was branded as a sex offender.
One person I will never forget was a 53-year-old man who had consensual sex with an underage girl. Having been a missionary and a pastor, he was stricken with guilt at his sin and turned himself in to police. He knew it was wrong in the sight of God.
None of his past life's goodness and his deep remorse was taken into consideration at his sentencing. He was given 30 years.
When sex offenders are released, if they have not found a place to live within three days, they are arrested and put back in jail. This is not morally right. They have served their sentence and committed no additional crime. They are in a catch-22 situation.
What we should be concerned about are real sex offenders -- the predators, the pedophiles and the serial rapists who cannot be rehabilitated.
The biggest barriers sex offenders face when they are released are finding a place to live and finding a job. The Shiloni ministry helps with these two needs. Providing a place for sex offenders to live is a huge problem because, understandably, no one wants them in his backyard.
Without a lot of fanfare, well-intentioned people representing the city, the county and their respective police forces should be able to work together to find an appropriate place for a shelter.
Bill and Barbara Grier have put their hearts and souls into helping sex offenders. They have spent endless hours and thousands of their own dollars to sustain their ministry. They are what I call "special people" who have been tapped on the shoulder by God. They need help both in goodwill and in financial support.
Shiloni is just one program. There should be more like it.
Cecil M. Jones Jr. of Cahaba Heights is a retired social services director. E-mail: cecilmjones@gmail.com.

Shiloni Transformation Ministries, B-Ham

2010-05-17T15:11:00.002-05:00

http://www.shilonitransformationministry.com/

A housing ministry located in Birmingham, one of the few accepting sex offenders in the state.

Another AL town gripped by Predator Panic

2010-05-11T00:08:00.000-05:00

A very good illustration of Predator Panic, but you have to love some of the comments made here.

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20100425/articles/4255035

Neighborhood troubled by sex offenders

Officials: Nothing can be done about high numbers in area

By Russ Corey
Staff Writer

Published: Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 3:30 a.m.

Residents in a neighborhood near downtown Sheffield are frustrated by what they say is a large number of convicted sex offenders living there, but the police chief and sheriff said there's nothing anyone can do about it.
"The only thing they could do as a community is be sure everybody knows who's who in the community," said Police Chief Greg Ray. "Be informed."
The advice doesn't make residents such as Vicki Despigno feel any safer.
"I have a problem with too many of them living here," Despigno said.
"I don't appreciate them walking up and down the street looking at my two granddaughters."
Despigno's granddaughters are 12 and 14.
According to a website maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Safety, there are 31 convicted sex offenders living in Sheffield.
The site provides photos of convicted sex offenders, their names, addresses, charges and their victims' ages and gender. Of the 31 registered sex offenders living in Sheffield, 30 are male.
Seven of them were convicted of crimes involving adult victims.
Of the 24 people convicted of crimes involving minors, four involved underage male victims. The rest of the victims were female, according to the site.
Crimes included sexual abuse, sodomy, enticing a child for immoral purposes and second-degree rape, which involves consensual sex with an underage person. One person was convicted of possessing child pornography.
Ray and Colbert County Sheriff Ronnie May say convicted sex offenders released from prison must register with the sheriff in the county where they plan to reside and must contact the police department in the city where they will reside.
Ray said convicted sex offenders cannot live within 2,000 feet of a school or day care, nor can they reside within 1,000 feet of a former victim.
Four women who live in the area north of downtown and bordering the Manning Homes housing project expressed concerns to the City Council last week but were informed that there is nothing the city can do because a crime has not been committed.
Dallas Walker, of Parsons Street, said she has heard about the number of sex offenders living in the city.
Walker has 7-year-old and 8-month-old daughters and sees children playing outside frequently with no parents present.
"I didn't realize there were that many sex offenders in the area," she said. "I was really shocked to hear that."
Walker said she and her husband didn't know of any sex offenders living near their home when they moved in.
"We love our house," she said. "It's an adorable little starter house in the cutest neighborhood with the best neighbors," she said.
She said she plans to circulate as much information about registered sex offenders in Sheffield as she can so her neighbors know who is living nearby.
Shirley Whitten, executive director of the Sheffield Housing Authority, said she plans to do the same.
Anitra Agnew, who told City Council members her 12-year-old son was approached by a registered sex offender, lives at Manning Homes, which borders the area that is home to several registered offenders.
"If there is any good side to this, it is that at least under the current system, you know where they are," Whitten said.
"The real problem with sex offenders is when you don't know who they are."
Whitten said convicted sex offenders are not allowed to live in public housing.
Both the police chief and Capt. Scott Wallace said for the most part, the registered sex offenders living in Sheffield keep a low profile and mind their own business.
Wallace said two reports concerning recent incidents did not involve registered sex offenders.
"We're investigating both of them," Ray said.
Wallace said residents should not hesitate to report anything unusual that involve their children.
"If there is a problem, come forward," Wallace said.
Ray said registered sex offenders tend to cluster in the same area because they know they will be in compliance with the law.
"There's a network in prison where these people communicate with one another," Ray said.
Whitten said sex offenders will learn through the network about landlords who will rent to them.
Wallace said many of them have little money and cannot afford to live anywhere but in low-income areas.
Ray said the police department has officers who keeps tabs on the offenders, making sure they remain in compliance with the law.
"We want to keep them on their toes," Ray said. "At least once a year we go to their house to make sure they are there. We interview people. We should be able to do that every month, but it's hard to do."
Sheriff May said it's difficult for sex offenders to find places to live, especially in larger cities that have numerous schools or day cares.
Sometimes older motels attract registered sex offenders because they know they can live there and be in compliance with the law, the sheriff said.
Such is the case of Shady Court Motel on East 12th Avenue.
Wallace said a new day care nearby won't require the offenders who live at Shady Court to move, but no new ones may move in.
Despigno said she doesn't believe sex offenders should be allowed to live so close to Riverfront Park, but that isn't part of the law. She said there should be a limit to how many sex offenders can live in an area, but again, there isn't.
Whitten said she would include a reminder in the next Sheffield Housing Authority newsletter, which is circulated to all of her tenants.
She said she will provide tenants with the web address of the sex offender database and allow those without Internet service to view the site in the housing authority's office.
Doris Teague, a spokeswoman for the Alabama Department of Public Safety, said the sex offender database is updated daily, but depends on local law enforcement agencies to mail them information on new sex offenders that move into their cities and counties.
Whitten said keeping an eye on sex offenders and letting them know they're being watched is a deterrent.
"That works as well as anything," she said.
Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@TimesDaily.com.

2010 Political Ads exploiting Predator Panic

2010-05-10T15:58:00.000-05:00

So far, two politicians running for office in Alabama are exploiting sex offenders for personal gain.

Troy King for Attorney General: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99AT7lwRgB8#normal

AND--

Tim James for Governor: http://www.timjames2010.com/blog/tim-james-takes-aim-at-convicted-sex-offenders-in-tv-ad/

Sadly, the latter article blatantly distorts the study from the US Department of Justice. Tell them about http://www.oncefallen.com for the truth about sex offender laws!

US Marshals come to town. What do you do?

2010-05-10T15:46:00.000-05:00

Recently, US Marshals, in conjunction with State and Local Authoriries, have begun conducting the latest round of so-called "compliance checks" across the USA. Unfortunately, under the federal Adam Walsh Act, the US Marshals have jurisdiction in sex offender cases, even though Alabama has not yet chosen to comply with the AWA.

http://www.usmarshals.gov/news/chron/2010/042210.htm

Above is one such sweep in Alabama. Below are some tips on what you can do if the US Marshals come knocking on YOUR door.

DO NOT sign anything, ever, at your door! No matter how "innocent" it seems. Politely refuse,
unless you can speak to your lawyer first.
DO NOT answer any questions beyond confirming that you are you, and required registration info.
Anything else could be used (or twisted) to incriminate you.
DO invoke the 5th amendment if necessary. But be prepared to be peppered with more questions
(What are you hiding? Eh?), and reply only that you want your lawyer present first.
DO NOT let anyone into your home without a warrant, unless you are still "on paper" and it is
required. In almost every state, LE has no right whatsoever to enter a person's home without one.
DO NOT leave your home while LE is still at your door. You have strong protections in your home,
but practically none once you are out on the street.
If you have easy access to a camera (cell phone in pocket), take a picture of the group on your
porch, or better yet record the whole thing. Many cell phones have a "record" feature for you to talk
into. Turn it on and keep it aimed at everyone speaking.

The last one is highly important, in my opinion.
Recording media is a registrant's best friend.
There are also a number of spy cameras online.

ReFORM Alabama's Sex Offender Laws!

First look at the newest sex crime legislation for 2012

Alabama looks to add email addresses and social networks IDs to registry

Adding Registering Requirements for Sex Offenders

HB 137 will raise Age of Consent from 16 to 18

After more tornadoes, Jefferson County wastes taxpayer dollars on forcing displaced registrants to re-register

Lawmen track registered sex offenders displaced by the storm

Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 12:12 PM Updated: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 12:22 PM

Defense lawyers for Alabama fan accused of assault begin public rhetoric tour

Reminder to watch for new legislation

Alabama well represented in the 2011 Shiitake Awards

Yet another idiot wants to push for anti-clustering laws

REPRESENTATIVEKURT WALLACE

(R)

Bill would split up sex offenders

December 2011 Introduced Bills

Oh boo hoo! B'Ham files for Bankruptcy. Cry me a river!

AL RSO Registry Fee Law

Early List for upcoming Alabama Laws

Drunken Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan makes for bad interview

Tuscumbia's Police Chief Found Guilty In DUI Case

Tony Logan faces a $600 fine for the conviction

Limestone County won't hold Halloween sex-offender roundup

Limestone County won't hold Halloween sex-offender roundup

Halloweenitis epidemic spreads to Russell County

DHR brochure on statutory rape

Letter to the Editor: New Sex Offender Law will cost the state much more money than it will lose

Marshall County woman in land dispute with Registrant

"The Silver Haired Legislature" looks to out registrants in nursing homes

Times Daily: Professors warn about new sex offenders law

Professors warn about new sex offenders law

By M.J. Ellington Montgomery Bureau

Published: Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 10:38 p.m.

Alabama's final version of the new SORNA law... all 100 pages of it

Alabama did not learn from Ohio's bad example

Ohio sex offender registry a mess

Supreme Court has twice ruled it unconstitutional

Yet more rules in the new SORNA law

More news about the new law to take effect July 1st

State's sex offender laws get tougher

It really IS all about the money-- AL SORNA

Bill to tighten Ala. sex offender registration heads to Bentley

The bill would require weekly registration from homeless offenders.

AL one step closer to passing SORNA

House Passes Bill to Strengthen Sex Offender Laws

By Morgan Hightower

Rep. Steve Hurst [D-Munford] has pushed legislation authorizing castration 4 years

Proposed law would tighten registration, work requirements

Proposed law would tighten sex offender requirements

Letter in favor of treatment exclusion to Jefferson Co. anti-clustering law

2011 Legislative session

Controversial signs on front lawn target registered person

Controversial signs on front lawn target sex offenders

Could prison policy in Alabama be changing?

Empty Building Reflects Empty Hearts: NIMBYism and the closing of Shady Court

Vote for the 2010 Annual Shiitake Awards

Fox 10 Mobile on Alabama Pardon and Parole Board

Alabama News Roundup nov. 5, 2010 -- The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Steve Hurst running on human mutilation platform

Trial begins for suspended Jefferson Co. Judge who "let SO off the hook"

Trial begins for suspended Jefferson County Judge Dan King

Published: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 12:46 PM Updated: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 12:52 PM

Auburn Police given grant to harass sex offenders

Grant helps Auburn Police buckle down on sex offenders

Christina Chambers

Alabama News Round-up Sept. 2010

Decatur Daily: Area News in Brief 9/11/10

Sex offender faces charges

Published: Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 5:45 AM Updated: Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 6:12 AM

Annitston Star gives a really bad editorial -- FEAR MONGERING AMONG US

At least she wasn't using sex offender issues as a platform this time

Photoshop Used to Simulate Political Endorsement, Temporarily

Shiloni Ministries on ARC Talk Radio show! 09/01/2010

Court to decide if RSOs must have a home [to be free]

Critiquing another scare tactic courtesy of the local media

11th US Ct of Appeals sends sex offender suit back to court

Federal appeals court reverses ruling on sex offenders' lawsuit

Published: Thursday, August 12, 2010, 8:30 AM

KENT FAULK, BIRMINGHAM NEWS

REPRESENTATIVE
KURT WALLACE