Recent Litigation and Vigilante Assaults on Sex Offenders
Weekly Update 2017-10-17
Dear Members and Advocates,
An interesting thing happened this past week. Apparently, we got sued for “defamation” by ClearMyCase.com. As much as we intend to write about the suit right now, is posted to: https://floridaactioncommittee.org/clearmycase-warning-registrants/. The only thing to add is that last week, of his own volition, the Judge found the complaint deficient and ordered ClearMyCase to Amend it before October 17, 2017. As of the time of writing this update (which is after 5PM on the 17th) we know of no Amended Complaint. That’s not to say that one won’t be forthcoming, but in either case we are extremely comfortable in our position and stand behind our decision to warn our members about this company.
There’s no shortage of individuals or entities looking to harm or take advantage of registrants and we need to remember that by being publicly listed, it’s easy to be targeted.
On a related note, this past week, another sex offender was found dead and foul play is suspected. Earlier this month, Hernando County Detectives claimed that a convicted sex offender cut off his ankle monitor and absconded. On October 9th, the local Fox News affiliate began their report by saying “the hunt is on” and that the registrant needed to be caught quickly before he harmed someone. As the facts unfolded, it wasn’t only him harming someone that the police should have been concerned about, but someone harming him! On Wednesday his car was found and on Thursday, his body. The police suspected foul play. Nothing has been reported since and it’s unlikely anything will be.
Vigilantism is a real concern for people on the registry and anyone who lives with them. Registrants’ homes have been burned down, they have been beaten, robbed, and killed. A recent article in Prison Legal News, correctly observed that “multiple studies have shown registries to be ineffective at reducing sex offender recidivism, which is extremely low… Instead registries often serve a more sinister purpose, including as vehicles for public vengeance”. When the state calls someone a “sex offender” posts their picture online, provides their home address and other personal information such as what kind of car they drive, they must know they are putting a target on their back. Let what happened in Hernando county be a reminder of how watchful you need to be as someone on the registry.
Sincerely,
The Florida Action Committee
SOME HEADLINES FROM THIS WEEK
ACSOL sees Halloween Victory in Simi Valley California.
One month ago we posted that the Alliance for Constitutional Sex Offense Laws in California, filed a Federal Lawsuit against the City of Simi Valley, California, that barred registered sex offenders from opening their doors to trick-or-treaters, decorating their homes…
Indiana sex offenders who plead not guilty cannot be forced to take sex offender treatment
A recent Federal Court in the Southern District of Indiana ruled that registered sex offenders who plead guilty could not be compelled to take a sex offender treatment class that forces participants to confess guilt in the crimes for which they are charged, give…
AZ: Homeless registrants do not have to abide by the 72 hour reporting requirements.
A court in Arizona overturned the conviction and 7 year sentence of a man who was charged with failing to report his “new address” within 72 hours, stating that, “As a transient person would have neither an address nor a residence to report, it would seem implausible..
Another Michigan Sex Offender Registry Case
News About Sex Offender Registry – Michigan The Michigan Supreme Court is hearing a case today concerning a man who decades ago touched a girls breasts. His probation and community service were completed in 1997 and his case was dismissed. He has no conviction. Even…