Are There Sex Offenders in Your Community?

Are There Sex Offenders in Your Community?

Angela Salscheider
By just typing in your address, the Web site can map out your surrounding community and mark where registered sex offenders live. It will provide a picture, the offender's address and what type of offense they committed.
Amy Baumann, a mother of two young children, lives in Mosinee. She found one sex offender lives just five minutes from her home, while another lives just blocks from her son's school.
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"I'm finding myself trying to memorize his face," said Baumann.
Mike Williams, a corrections supervisor in Wausau, says someone who made a first, second or third degree sexual assault will be listed on the website. However, it's important to remember some may be a bigger risk than others.
"The Web site does not differentiate that," said Williams.
"Not all sex offenders with the same conviction are at the same risk level."
If you find a sex offender is living in your neighborhood and you'd like to find out more information about the offense they committed, Williams says your local corrections department may be able to provide you with the answers.
Don't take matters into your own hands, however. Sex offenders have rights too.
"Once they're done with probation, parole or extended supervision they can live any place they want to live," said Williams.
For many the Web site may be a dose of harsh reality, but for Baumann it's bringing some peace of mind.
"Who's to say Connor won't be at some friend's house who is right next door?" said Baumann.
"I will know that now."
To find out if a sex offender is living in your community, log on tohttp://www.mapsexoffenders.com/