[abc27.com 5/15/18]
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – A man we will call “Tony” first sat down with ABC27 News in November to talk about what it’s like being a registered sex offender.
“There were many times I tried to commit suicide,” Tony said. “I am not a monster like people portray.”
The former combat medic and EMT says being on the registry for his child pornography conviction only prevents him, and others like him, from moving on with life and becoming productive citizens.
“When I first got on [the list], I was a mess,” he said. “I was homeless for about a year and a half because I was still paying child support and I lost my job. It is more of a vigilante law.”
“He would not be on any list if he did not commit the crime,” Dauphin County Chief Deputy District Attorney Sean McCormack said.
McCormack has been in charge of the Child Abuse Unit in the district attorney’s office since 1995.
“I think Megan’s Law is a good thing. It is very important for parents and the community to know who is living in your area,” he said.
“I would argue that they don’t have the right to know that,” said Theresa Robertson.
Robertson is a volunteer with the National Association for Rationale Sex Offense Laws, or NARSOL, which is against the current public sex offender registry.
“What we have done is created this list of people who are considered monsters,” she said.
I’m in the same boat. I was 19, used limewire, came across some videos, did it think much of it, next thing I know cops knocking on my door and I’m facing prison and the registry. I’ve never touched a kid like that or even though about it. And it’s not like I was in some secret CP order where videos are made bought and shared. I literally was a victim of collateral damage and now I have to deal with this bullshit the rest of my life
The article has an idiot who claims people deserve such harassment due to their criminal conviction no matter how long ago it was but other acts of violence are perfectly fine. So it’s none of my business if the next door neighbor is known for stealing or producing meth in their homes, potentially putting my kids in danger. People need to face the fact the list IS nothing more than a new witch trials list meant to harass but with a wink it’s only to inform. Regardless of the conviction, if one stays out for so long and is crime free and off probation and parole ALL should drop off the registry automatically.
Good news item!
@ Gralphr: I agree with you. That jerk saying “He should have thought about that before committing the crime” needs to think before he speaks. Does he have any understanding of the concept of Ex Post Facto punishment being unConstitutional? What about when all these add-on requirements [read: punishments] are created many years AFTER the individual’s conviction?? That’s just all okay, huh??
One thing I have noticed is that more public stories are showing both sides. This is a good trend. The more doubt created about effectiveness, constitutionality, fairness, costs, etc… The more likely people will start to reject the registry.
As soon as research is thrown in the face of those supporting the registry, they tend to shutdown Ex: studies show recidivm rates are low and registry is ineffective at preventing new sex crimes. It becomes harder to justify the registry for them. We just need to keep up the work and fight battles when they arise.
Dauphin County Chief Deputy District Attorney Sean McCormack is wrong and obviously confused. If people had any right at all to know about “$EX offenders” then they would have the same right to know about anyone else who had committed any serious crime. Obviously that is not the case. It is shocking how clueless these government employees are. They think people are as stupid as they are.
a loved one of mine recently was charged and put on the list and it breaks my heart. He is an amazing man and all because he “admitted guilt” by apologizing, he got hit with a crime he didn’t commit and has to suffer the public humiliation. I have learned so much watching him go through this experience and I’m thankful I can be there for him… but I know this must absolutely destroy others who don’t have that around. I want to get involved. I want to stop this.
HEY PENNSYLVANIA REGISTERED CITIZENS
PENNSYLVANIA 5,000 FT. RESIDENCY RESTRICTION…….. Proposed Law
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.pressandjournal.com/stories/we-must-strengthen-laws-involving-sexual-predators-tom-mehaffie,34836&ved=2ahUKEwi5sb-J08DbAhWLslkKHSjNBggQFjAEegQIABAB&usg=AOvVaw0SHs-D58eqvnOUu5LRdHpy