OT: Registered sex offenders having yard sales!

And ya know what, as a parent, it is my ultimate responsiblity to protect my child, and if that means that I have to assume the worst about someone I don't know, as long as I'm not doing anything illegal, then I don't care if I hurt this man's feelings or assume things that may not be true.  But his victim was 13 and he was 48.  Enough said. You're absolutely right that it's your job to protect your kids, and good for you for doing that! Every parent should be like you and know where their child is and who lives in their neighborhood. Having said that, let me also point out that his crime was solicitation of a child, which in IL could be anything from verbally saying "Yea, I'd like to tap that" to "Hey, I want to f#@% you like an animal". It could have been in person, it could have been over the phone, it could have been over the internet. It could have been solicitation of a 13 year old prostitue (yes, they are out there!). Haven't you ever seen a 13 year old, maybe out at the mall or the movies, that looked over 18? I have; I see it every day when the kid across the street from me leaves for school in her short skirts and sky high heels looking like she's leaving for her job at the topless bar downtown. Does that mean that it gives a 44 year old the right to proposition her? Hell no! But some times, you have to consider the context of the crime. And in this case, Mr. Murdoch's cir****tances aren't listed on the Sex Offender registry, only the fact that he was convicted. I honestly think you're overreacting here. If the man were skulking around a playgroud it would be a different story but he's having yard sales in his front yard right in plain sight of everyone. He's compliant with the conditions of his sentance according to the web site. He still has rights in this country. That's the way our legal system is suppose to work, you fulfill your debt to society and you get to go back to being a member of that society.

Do not wimp out and take back what you said.  You are better than that.  You know that you would not have been concerned about him doing something illegal if he was not on the sex offenders list!  There is no need to feel attacked.  You asked a question and you got a response.  Just because you do not like the response should not make you feel that you should back down to what you believe.  If you were done with the situation after you went to the police station you would not have been upset and would not have made the post that you did.   If you are so concerned about protecting your child wouldn't it make more sense to not go by his house, keep your child with you at all times, maybe put them in a bubble and keep them home.  Everywhere you go you will encounter rapist, molesters, pediphillers, murderers, drug dealers, and the like.  Fortunately for you this is one of those few moments that you know who and where that person is so you can keep your child safe.   Most people that are out to harm you or your child are people you would never suspect and you will never know.  Be grateful that you have this information to keep your family safe. 

Statistically you are right, sex offenders get off much to easy, I agree with you. What would be a reason a man would have to be with a 13 year old in any way, Also they have to be convicted to be on the list, HE IS. Love, Jade

I am also surprised at some of the post...I agree with you.......if we as a nation can't protect our children then what good are we? You told us it was a child victim..not a 17 yr old girl with a 18 yrold boyfriend. Yes the man may have done his jail time but that doesn't mean he is cured....and it is a sickness...maybe he can't help himself but we have to be vigilant in gaurding our children...sorry if this upsets some people just speaking my mind.

Oh brother!!!!  Have you ever heard of the Constitution of the United States???? It applies to everybody...not just you hand wringers.

To the lady who posted just above me.....yes, I have heard of the Constitution.  And as a citizen of this county it is MY right to protect my children, and by doing so, know the laws of this county.  Which is WHY I made it my business to ask a law enforcement officer if it is legal for a registered sex offender to have a yard sale.  WHAT IN THE HE*L IS SO WRONG WITH ME ASKING THAT QUESTION???????  Seriously people, it's not like I posted signs all over the city with this guys name and picture, all I did was ask...IN PRIVATE..if it was legal.  And since it is....I'm done.  Jesus, would you feel the same way is this man brutally raped this 13 year old girl??????  How do I know that he didn't?!?!?!?  Don't you think it is the responsible thing for me to do, to just make sure he is acting within the boundaries of the law, without causing him any undue embarrasment?   Obvsiously some of you didn't read my first post very well, and chose to instead call me names and tell me to mind my own business.  I have a 3 year old little boy, sex offenders ARE my business and I chose to be informed as a parent and citizen.  I will not DO anything to this man, I, on the contrary, dont' want him to know who I am at all, but I will make sure that my son goes no where near his house....ever.

Who called you names and where did someone tell you to mind your own business?  Do not get defensive.  Yes this is a touchy subject and feelings are hightened but everyone has an opinion and what better way to become informed and enlightened than by listening and taking in what others have to say.  It is good to be able to see things from another angle, not that you have to accept that angle just be open to the option.

Mercedes - I can appreciate what you are saying, and you're right.  I did get defensive because I was shocked at some of the responses.  But I respectively disagree.  And yes, I was called names and told to mind my own business and that I was sticking my nose where it doesn't belong.  Read through the posts and you will see. 

I do understand where some of the posters are coming from, but I definately disagree.  I posted this on here because I was upset that he is allowed to have a yard sale, and still disagree with that.  But as long as he is acting within the boundaries of the law, then I'm fine, he is doing nothing wrong. 

Thank you for the responses, it is always good to have healthy debate, you never know when someone might change your mind.  But this time, it didn't happen.  :)

I am glad that you enjoy healthy debates, it gets the blood flowing!  Even if it did not change your mind you were enlightened, as was I as to another way of thinking of the situation at hand.  Maybe we all learned a little about ourselves.  I know I did. My ex-husband is incarcerated on 14 convicted counts (he was charged with many more counts though) of sexual assault, rape, battery, etc. and all on children.  He is now requesting to visit with our 15 year old dd, whom he was convicted of physically assault on her.  I won't allow it and do not care that the courts feel he has rights and that he is still her father.  They have told me she will be safe since there are guards with guns and there will be glass between them!  Not sure what I will do if the courts agree to give him visits but it is dispicable to say the least.  What is  worse is now he has all my contact info which was kept private to protect her and I and he wrote me a letter telling me he was innocent!  I am mortified.   Needless to say I sympathize and understand beyond your imagination wanting to protect your children.  I also know that to get through the anger, hurt, and being a victim I have to see beyond the perpetrator and realize that there is a human with a soul, even if that soul is filled with darkness.  

RME...