Posted on Tue, Oct. 31, 2006

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Halloween curfew set for S.C. sex offenders

Those on probation, parole required to stay home with lights off during holiday

By Lee Higgins

McClatchy Newspapers

As local children take to the streets in search of treats and sweets this Halloween, law enforcement officials are working to protect them from sex offenders.

For the second year, a statewide Halloween curfew is in effect for sex offenders on probation or parole.

Officials from the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services will put particular focus on sex offenders convicted of crimes against children, said Peter O'Boyle, the department's spokesman. He said nine sex offenders violated the curfew last year.

"If they are caught in violation of probation, they could be sent back to jail for the duration of their terms," said Horry County Sheriff's Deputy Paulette Rathbun on Monday.

Sex offenders on probation or parole must abide by a 5 p.m. to midnight Halloween curfew.

During the curfew, the state's 1,300 offenders on probation or parole must keep their outdoor lights off and cannot respond to trick-or-treaters or talk to children.

Additional officers will be on the streets for the first time in Lexington County to check up on sex offenders there, according to the Lexington County Sheriff's Office.

O'Boyle said officials hope the Halloween curfew will ease public anxiety about sex offenders.

"We want parents and, of course, children to feel confident in the safety of doing this time-honored tradition of trick-or-treating," he said.

Last year, Probation, Parole and Pardon Services officers drove by or stopped by about 900 sex offenders' homes, O'Boyle said.

They also made about 1,200 phone calls to ensure sex offenders were home.

About 225 parole officers will participate in this year's effort, O'Boyle said.

The number of S.C. sex offenders on probation and parole represents a small frac-
tion of the 9,000 registered sex offenders in the state.

Rathbun said a total of roughly 350 registered sex offenders who are active in the state's sex offender roster live throughout Horry County.

Erica Westmoreland, sexual assault coordinator for the S.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said she's concerned that the sex offender curfew "gives a false sense of security" to many parents.

Rebecca Williams, office manager for the group, said child sex offenses are not any more likely to happen on Halloween.

"It's a problem every day," she said.

In 95 percent of sexual assault cases involving children, the child knows his or her attacker, Westmoreland said.

"I think [the curfew] is better than nothing," she said. "And I think it's good for the sex offenders to be aware that we are making sure our children are safe."