Sex Offender at Cherokee (or Whichever) School

It's true that not everyone convicted of a crime is guilty. Sex offenders are a special group since they must conform to the the SORNA laws, like it or not, guilty or not. 

Yes, a sex offender may attend a ballgame in which his child is participating. This certainly doesn't apply to high school games when an offender's children or step-children are in elementary school.

Volunteering? No. Alabama courts have ruled that a sex offender may not volunteer at a school for any reason. Yes, they can attend a school's open house if their child is enrolled there. They can speak with faculty. They can partake of the refreshments. They cannot volunteer under any circumstances.

In case that didn't make it clear, any convicted sex offender working at a high school ball game on a school campus, either paid or volunteer, is breaking the SORNA law and is subject to arrest. 

If anyone attending a football game or any other school event sees a known, registered sex offender working at the function, immediately notify any law enforcement official present. If there are no deputies or other officers present, take a photo to present to law enforcement at the county courthouse.

We've received some messages from individuals who believe their friends or family members have been given special privileges to be on school grounds or to flout other SORNA regulations. This is patently false. If you go along with their scams, you're enabling them and actually encouraging them to participate in behavior that will land them back in jail.

On a similar note, Facebook prohibits sex offenders from having accounts. This is strictly in violation of FB's policies. So if you're a registered sex offender, you can and will be reported. You're not special no matter what you may think or what you've told your family. This is the new reality for you. Get used to it!

The Law Isn't Going To Change. You're The One Who Will Have To Change.

Teacher Sex in Alabama

If you think the title of today's column concerns student voyeurs clandestinely peering into the bedrooms of married teachers, you're behind the times, especially in Alabama. Starting today, you'll be able to check the TeacherCrime link to the left of this blog; and, while you won't be able to see if ol' Mrs. McGonagill from third grade is still jay-walking, you will be able to determine which teachers in this and other states have been arrested for sex crimes.

Of course, these are just the ones we know about. Unfortunately, Alabama still does not perform complete background checks on prospective teachers. This may change in the not too distant future. One Shoals resident has worked to correct this problem for some time and will soon launch a statewide campaign to weed out these offenders. In the months to come, this column will keep you up to date on the status of this project.

In the mean time, be vigilant about your children's safety. Sometimes the worst predators are those we trust the most.


What's up with this: Check out the Alabama teacher list for one of our own from Lauderdale County.