World News – This sex offender wants to give out candy to the kids.
“Operation Boo,” a yearly program run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to to protect children from predators during Halloween, is scheduled to go into in full effect later this month, but an attorney and activist wants to change that.
The CDCR is being hit with a federal lawsuit filed by the president and founder of California Reform Sex Offender Laws organization. Janice Bellucci is challenging what her organization calls an unconstitutional Halloween sign requirement that’s part of “Operation Boo.”
Bellucci filed the suit after she says her client, a registered sex offender in Chula Vista, was told to post a flier on his home on Halloween saying, “We Do Not Participate in Trick or Treating.”
“All we’re challenging is the sign requirement,” explained Bellucci. “We believe this both violates the United States Constitution and places in significant danger all sex offender parolees.”
A registered sex offender, who spoke to NBC7 anonymously, felt the sign is appropriate because it doesn’t mention any charges.
“I kind of understand where they’re coming from,” he said. “It helps keep them away so there’s less chance of children saying something happened.”
Concerned parent Amanda Misiano said she thinks the signs are a good idea.
“I think it’s good because it will protect the kids,” Misiano said.
According to the “Operation Boo” website, requirements for sex offender parolees include a 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on Halloween. Their lights must also be off so they don’t attract children, but there’s no mention of having to post the sign.
A spokeswoman from the CDCR would only say, “We were just served the lawsuit and are reviewing it.”
By Omari Fleming and Brie Stimson, From NBCNews.com, Edited by Dan Stevens
