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Sexual Predator Limitations Discussed by Falls City Council

By John Nixon

12/08/2015

(KLZA)-- A Falls City resident has asked the City Council to create an ordinance that would restrict the distance registered sex offenders can live from a school or licensed daycare.

Joan Stoller told the Council Monday evening she recently learned a registered sex offender had moved to a nearby residence and noted she has observed first hand how sexual abuse can affect people.

Stoller presented information to the Council on the difference between a sexual offender and a sexual predator. Sexual offenders have been convicted of a crime requiring registration as a sex offender while a sexual predator is a person perceived to be a higher risk of offending again having already been convicted of victimizing a person 18 years of age or younger.

Falls City Police Chief Duane Armbruster explained the proposed ordinance would cover sexual predators but not sexual offenders, noting it would likely not affect the person that moved into her neighborhood.

City Administrator Gary Jorn explained the only penalties a second class city can impose is a $500 fine, and you cannot require the person to move.

Armbruster was asked to research the topic prior to the Council meeting. He said there are currently 11 registered sexual offenders living in Falls City and based on statistics, about five would be sexual predators.

Armbruster noted that based on the location of schools and daycare facilities in Falls City, such an ordinance would affect about half of the city, using a 500-foot limitation.

Armbruster said research also indicates the creation of such a statute could create unintended circumstances. It could push the person toward offending again and it also pushes the offenders into a smaller area where they can live.

Mayor Jerry Oliver said he felt it would be a good idea to continue gathering information before taking action. The issue was tabled. Mayor Oliver invited Stoller to attend the next Council meeting, when hopefully everyone has a better understanding of what creating such an ordinance could mean.

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