Mother: Watch out for Sex Offenders on Halloween
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 - 6:11pm
By:
Maya Holmes
Photojournalist:
Nathaniel LeCapitaine
FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT
TWO HARBORS - Halloween is just a day away, but there may be people out looking for more than just candy. As kids go door to door for a treat, there's a possibility they could ring the doorbell of a sex offender, as one Northland mother can attest to.
"Parents I think for the most part in my community think this is a safe place, says Jodie Swenson who lives close to a sex alleged sex offender. “I thought it was a safe place."
For Swenson, a dark cloud shadows this year's celebration.
A man with open sexual assault cases against him involving young girls, lives five blocks from her home.
One of the girls is just 10 years old.
"I think it's terrifying, he lives next to a daycare, he lives next to a community park," said Swenson.
Just a few months, Swenson says the 21-year-old man began contacting her 13-year- old daughter on Facebook.
"Telling her he loved her sense of style, he loved her new haircut," said Swenson.
He tried to get her to come over to his house, according to Swenson.
"I was absolutely enraged," said Swenson. "It's Been devastating for my family."
Swenson says now all contact has been cut off with the alleged pedophile, but she's afraid for other kids who could possibly ring his doorbell for a treat this Halloween.
"Worried about other children in the community who don't have a parent at home that supervises them," said Swenson.
Officials say current restrictions for sex offenders only include volunteering or working with children.
"Some of them can be around children, there’s no law against it,” Superior Police Deputy Chief Matt Markon said.
Law enforcement says while trick or treating, parents and kids should use common sense.
"Always know where your child is going to be,” said Markon. “Have an adult who you know is monitoring your children.” “If you're out with them yourself, know the route they're going to take." "Stick to that route so that everyone knows that at a certain time they expect you back."
From her own experience, Swenson also offers some words of advice to parents.
"Be vigilant, cause there are people out there who will hurt them."
To see if there are sex offenders living in your neighborhood, go to fox21online.com and click on the links tab.