OHIO Bill alters notification about rapists

Sex offenders have to register with authorities when they are released from prison.
By JEFF ORTEGA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- Those living within 1,000 feet of someone convicted of rape would be notified of the conviction under a bill introduced in the Ohio House.
The state's sexual-offender notification law needs to change, said state Rep. Jim Carmichael, a Wooster Republican and the bill's sponsor.
"If you're convicted of rape, regardless, all neighbors within 1,000 feet should be notified," Carmichael said Wednesday.
Under Carmichael's bill, authorities would notify neighbors within 1,000 feet six months before the convict's release.
Right now, notifying neighbors about a sex-related conviction is necessary only if a judge labels someone a sexual predator.
Case sparked law
The legislation comes in the wake of the death of 14-year-old Kristen Jackson.
Kristen was found slain in September in Wayne County. A convicted rapist has been charged with aggravated murder, kidnapping and rape in the dismemberment slaying of the girl.
Joel D. Yockey of Wooster, the suspect in the Jackson case, was classified as a sexually oriented offender, the lowest of the three levels established by state lawmakers in 1997.
Sexually oriented offenders have to register with authorities when they are released from prison and have to update that annually for 10 years or if they relocate, state officials say.
If a judge labels a person a sexual predator, the highest level, they must register with authorities every 90 days, and law enforcers must notify everyone within 1,000 feet, state officials say.
Carmichael said he didn't know if notification would have prevented Kristen's death. But Carmichael said it is important that residents know if a convicted rapist is living in their midst.
Getting it passed
Carmichael's bill is pending in the Ohio House. It has not yet been referred to a House committee.
With the 124th General Assembly ending next month, Carmichael acknowledges there is little chance for his bill to be enacted into law this legislative session. But he is vowing to reintroduce it in the 125th General Assembly, which is seated in January.
Andrea Dean, a spokeswoman for the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, said she was unaware of the bill but said it appeared it would have little effect on the prisons department.
"Whenever anyone is paroled, we automatically notify the prosecutor and the sheriffs," Dean said. "It wouldn't alter our process that much."