Comments on: Oklahoma, ahead of the times in re-integrating sex offenders into society

By: destroyed Life

destroyed Life — Sat, 11 May 2013 00:19:30 +0000

Those falsely accused in divorce/child custody battles face a different challenge, however, with the same collateral consequences of being a registrant. I have proof that I didn't commit the crime, but in the state I reside, this evidence is allowed to be stuffed out from view. I am right along with the public urinators and the child rapist. Fortunately, I served this country and earned my VA benefits. I earned my Paralegal certification in prison during my sentence where the bond was so high I couldn't get out. After almost 3 years in country jail and facing 210 years, I figured a non-violent "attempting" charge wouldn't be so bad, and away I went. Because it was a minor, in this state, one of 19, I was forced back to county the day I was released from prison to be forced into a jury trial. Because I denied the charges, the state determined I was "in denial" and therefore needed long-term, control, care and treatment in the state's sexually violent predator unit. The nightmare finally ended with my appeal being considered and the state's chief psychiatrist reporting that I was "least likely to reoffend than the typical sex offender". (wonder how they go there from "attempting" to "predator" status when I never offended to start with). Since my release, I haven't been able to secure a job anywhere. The qualified under Chapter 31 benefits and have since returned to school earning my BS in Advanced Legal Studies. All it takes, which it seems the state of OK is trying to do is, if we are eventually going to release these persons back into society, the for reintegration purposes, catch them about 1 year out from maxing out their prison sentences, give companies tax breaks or even assist in the hourly wage for them to come in and meet with the sex offender. Have the company already building a rapport with the offender, assessing his geographical, financial and support information. If possible establish a housing program in which they will earn up to gain their own dwelling. As for the registry itself, my neighbors aren't too happy I live here, but this has been the family home now for over 30 years. We live within the limitation of the law. I get a lot of stares and when people find out, most of them won't confront me to ask me about my case. None of them look at the appeal on the record available online for their review. In prison, everyone knew I was set up by my ex wife. I had no worries in there, but to get out and the church people in this state don't want you in their church… I just found out there are now more than 700,000 persons on the registry nationwide. If each registrant has, at a minimum of 6 connected family members, that means 4,200,000 people are affected by the registry! Out of these 700k on the registry, some 20,000 are presumed innocent from false allegations and coerced confessions. We need to do something now, we need to educate the public and we need a mandate from Washington, DC on the media's presentment of the registry, sex offenders as a whole, and the ill if not fatal effects the registry causes not only to the ex offender but to the 4,200,000 family members who are affected by the Megan, Walsh and other laws which has virtually turned our state and federal governments into Gestapo type agencies gathering the Jews or the witch hunters of Boston in the days of yore.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 02:21:46 +0000

Valigator, what gives you the right to call someone a bad parent because their son or daughter made a mistake? Don't flaunt your ignorance and be objective. The fault of the offence lies on the offender and no one else. Those who are quick to judge are the reason for the stereotypes and that is as bad as racial profiling.

By: Valigator

Valigator — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:33:09 +0000

Vicki is outraged by the "worst of the worst" description due to the fact her son is considered in the eyes of society the "worst of the worst" ..dont fall for her crap, Vicki is a failed parent with a failed poor excuse for a child that should never see the light of day, let alone have his mommy infiltrate forums with feigned outrage.. jeez Vick get new material..

By: cheryl62

cheryl62 — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 02:03:11 +0000

Amen is right! DOC is unrighteously in charge over everything, it's gonna be a law one day, that if you belch or break wind that you'll be punished with prison time. It's pretty bad that DOC has the all mighty authority to play god, boy what is this world coming to. DOC doesn't even offer programs for these people when they are in prison to help them when they get out, they are forced to do it when they get out, and pay for it, but if they can't find work, then it's a hash mark against them, I've got no respect for DOC when it comes to this. This problem that these people deal with is a repeat problem from there childhood, but nobody cares to help them, that's why so many repeat.

By: Rose Toellner

Rose Toellner — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 02:55:26 +0000

I agree that the best thing we can do is abolish the registry and to prevent issuing monitors to wear forever. That is a farce. And my son just lost a job that he'd had for seven years, a week after the last Jailbirds tabloid came out. He worked in an all male shop, where everyone knew about his crime, and had no problem with him. Until a new person in upper management saw the picture and charge. This is the only group who has a lifetime sentnce even after they are out of prison. It's just not right!

By: Claire53

Claire53 — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 02:08:38 +0000

Amen, Ms. Henry!!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:17:59 +0000

Thank you for the article & the people working to make our current system a little more "just"…you gave someone in love with a man on that list some hope that I may someday be able to be with him without fear of being hated & punished for it.

By: Will Steen

Will Steen — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:39:47 +0000

The Registries are a disgusting abomination.

By: oncefallendotcom

oncefallendotcom — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:11:09 +0000

The headline is a slap in the face. AHEAD of the times means abolishing residency laws and the registry in favor of reintegration and rehabilitation programs. Oklahoma is way behind in that respect.

By: rebeccaw

rebeccaw — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 23:27:35 +0000

A strong message from the symposium was the need for policies and programs that focus on restoring registered individuals to society as well as programs that allow individuals who perceive that they are at a risk for committing an initial offense to seek help confidentially before it's too late. Presenters from all sides of the issue agreed that the current system is not effective and many of the laws do more harm than good. I'm proud to have been part of this event and see the growing awareness of the true issues faced by registrants and their families and the increasing efforts to solve the problems.