CANTON, New York (WWNY) – New York state’s sex offender registry is being challenged in court by a former Boy Scout leader. Because that man was convicted in St. Lawrence County, the county finds itself a defendant in a case that could have serious ramifications.
Former Boy Scout assistant scoutmaster Michael Kelsey is suing New York state and St. Lawrence County, saying the state’s sex offender registry violates his rights.
“He’s challenging the constitutionality of the Sex Offenders Registry Act itself, indicating that the act as constructed deprived individuals of constitutional rights,” said St. Lawrence County Attorney Stephen Button.
did you notice the last sentance of the article ? they are trying to silence him, its typical for parole to make up shit just to put someone in JAIL on a so called violatioin…. its called retaliation ! EVIL EVIL US GOVERNMENT !!!!
Best of luck to this guy, though I agree with KM that he was likely jailed specifically to prevent him from litigating this case. Or at the very least to force him to litigate it wearing a jail jumpsuit.
”The state thinks he’s of moderate risk of reoffense.” Is the state allowed to lie? A statement like this tells citizens “This man is of far higher risk of reoffense than not only Level 1 offenders, but all the convicted felons out there who are not on a registry,” and we know that’s not only untrue, it’s not based on even specious evidence. The state would deny this is what they are saying, but if we ran a scientific survey we’d likely find most citizens interpret it precisely this way, and that should mean something. Has anyone tried a defamation suit? I think a few scientific surveys (private survey companies could be hired, or academics if they’re so inclined) to establish this would be solid evidence (and while we’re at it, why not also establish that the registry is considered severe punishment by most Americans).
I think the reporting should’ve mentioned that he is a former lawyer, so he hopefully he is well reversed in constitutional law and maybe we have a new lawyer in our corner. https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/local/2017/02/23/michael-kelseys-name-removed-roll-attorneys-counselors–law/98300748/
Why is it always someone Hollywood would make a movie about and not someone who peed in public or some other lesser offense that brings these lawsuits? Whatever you think of the registry, politically, they’re a popularity contest. And these types of plaintiffs seem like a detriment to the overall cause.
I’m curious what novel approach he has in mind.
If anyone is interested in keeping track of this case here is the pacer info Kelsey v. Sherman et al