Former Police Officer Arrested for Sex Offender Probation Violations
A former Panama City law enforcement officer has been arrested and is facing several felony charges related to the violation of his sex offender probation. The officer failed to register his social media accounts and vehicle information to authorities. His probation stemmed from a 2004 conviction of criminal sex offenses against children and possession and promotion of child sex abuse materials. The 75-year-old Tallahassee resident is charged with two counts of failure of a sexual predator to register an electronic mail address or internet identifier, one count of failing to report a change in the vehicle he owned, and four counts of providing false sexual predator registration information by act or omission. All counts are considered felonies under Florida law.
Beginning in October of 2023, FDLE’s Enforcement and Investigative Support (EIS) started an investigation into the defendant after finding unreported social media accounts. This is a violation of Florida’s Sexual Predator Act. Authorities also found an unregistered vehicle, also a violation of the Sexual Predator Act.
Probation for sex offenders in Florida
In some cases, a sex crimes attorney may secure a sentence of probation as an alternative to prison time for their client. This allows the defendant to live at home while completing their sentence. However, the defendant is supervised by a probation officer and severe restrictions apply to their conditional release. In other cases, a sex offender may serve out their sentence only to be released on probationary conditions. This happens for more serious sex crimes.
Conditions for sex offender probation in Florida
While avoiding jail time may seem like a good deal, sex offender probation is incredibly strict. Before taking any deal, you will want to consult with an attorney to understand the nature of the restrictions you are subject to. Some of those restrictions include:
- A mandatory curfew between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- If the victim of the sex crime was under the age of 18, the defendant may not live within 1,000 feet of a playground, school, daycare center, park or other place where children are likely to be.
- The individual on probation must actively participate in and complete a sex offender treatment program.
- The individual on probation must not contact the victim of his crime unless the contact is approved by the victim, a judge, or the probationer’s therapist.
- If the victim of the crime was under the age of 18, then the probationer must not have contact with any individuals under the age of 18.
- If the victim of the crime was under 18, a probationer may not work for or volunteer at any place where children congregate including schools, daycares, parks, playgrounds, pet stores, theme parks, libraries, zoos, and malls.
- A probationer is not allowed to view, access, or own any form of pornographic material.
- Probationers are required to take polygraph tests once a year.
- Probationers must keep driving logs and are prohibited from driving alone without prior approval of their probation officer.
- Probationers are not allowed to have a post office box.
Talk to a Tallahassee Sex Crimes Attorney Today
Luke Newman, P.A. represents the interests of those who have been charged with sex crimes in Tallahassee, FL. Call our Tallahassee criminal defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment and we can begin discussing your defense right away.
Source:
wctv.tv/2023/12/12/former-tallahassee-law-enforcement-officer-arrested-failing-report-information-following-2004-sexual-offense-convictions/
