Ohio Sex Offender Law Not Enforced

According to an analysis conducted by the Toledo Blade, one-fourth of the registered sex offenders in Lucas County live within 1,000 feet of a school. This is contrary to state law but, unfortunately, nothing is being done about it since the law has no provisions for enforcement. There's no mechanism preventing sex offenders from moving into a residence adjacent to a school and, once they're situated, the only method to remove them from the vicinity is to file suit in court and have a judge issue an order. So, if one calls the sheriff and says there's a convicted child rapist living next to the school, the sheriff will advise to contact a lawyer.

All is not lost, though. Ohio House Bill 473, signed Friday by Gov. Bob Taft, allows a county prosecutor or city law director to seek injunctive relief in court to remove an offender living within 1,000 feet of a school. We'll just have to wait and see how it works out.

What troubles me somewhat more than where the sex offenders live is the sheer volume of sex offenders roaming around in society. It also seems that the bulk of sex crimes broadcast in the news media are committed by previously convicted sex offenders. I can't shake the gut feeling that many of these perverts should be left to lounge in prison. At least then we wouldn't worry about them living too close to a school.

Companion post at Our Life.