Convicted Sex Offender Found Armed and Working at Rape Crisis Center

As most people realize, being convicted of particular sex-related crimes can have a major impact on a person’s life. In addition to the “normal” penalties associated with a criminal conviction, including jail time, probation, and hefty fines, a sex offender is often required to register for the rest of his or her life with the state’s sex offender registry—technically known as the California Sex and Arson Registry. Despite the registration requirements, however, some individuals look to escape notice and attempt to carry on with their lives in a way that makes others understandably uncomfortable.

A Gut-Wrenching Twist

Thanks to a tip from the general public, a man in Fresno was arrested this week and is being held on $386,000 bail. The man was arrested on weapons charges after it was discovered that he was in possession of a firearm despite a prior felony conviction for rape and attempted rape in 1998. Even worse, local police realized that the convicted sex offender was working as a security guard for a rape victims’ resource center in Fresno.

According to several local sources, the man was technically an employee of the security firm contracted by the counseling center, but the fact that a convicted sex offender was working in close proximity to victims of sexual assault was especially troubling. “[The center] provides services for victims who have been sexually assaulted and then you have an individual who is a convicted sex offender for rape and attempted rape working at their facility,” said Israel Reyes, an investigator with the Fresno Police. “The optics on that are really bad.”

The man had served 13 years in prison and was prohibited by law from owning a firearm. He was also registered on the state’s sex offender registry. The man allegedly obtained his security guard card by using a slightly different spelling of his name, which helped him avoid detection. He was recognized by another security guard after posting to Facebook in search of a new holster for his sidearm.

Seek Qualified Assistance

If you have been accused of any type of sex crime, it is important to take action on your own behalf right away. A conviction or a one-sided plea agreement could severely limit your freedom and your employment options for the rest of your life. Contact an experienced San Jose criminal defense attorney immediately to discuss your case and your options. Call 408-277-0377 for a confidential consultation with Wesley J. Schroeder, Attorney at Law, today.

Sources:

http://people.com/crime/california-rapist-working-security-rape-counseling-center/

Convicted rapist working as security guard at rape crisis center arrested