Sex Offender Registration Tip (SORT) Program Successes

Child porn removed from a renowned Internet classified site. (4/11) Based on information received from a helpline tipster, child pornography was removed from a major online trading/retail site. An anonymous tip led SORT analysts to track down and expose an alleged online child pornography listing. As a result of this tip, and in collaboration with network security, the child pornography was removed by the internet provider.

Helpline tip puts motel on notice.  (4/11) A helpline caller reports that a registered sex offender was currently residing at a local motel and that motel management had failed to post required notice. SORT analysts verified the offender's status and residency at the motel. Further review confirmed that local law requires hotel/motel management to place a visual notification in their front lobby if a sex offender is residing within. Local authorities were alerted of the situation. As a result of this collaboration, the offender was issued a summons in violation of law in that he failed to notify the motel of his status. The motel management was placed on notice.

Helpline led to fundraisers removal.  (3/11) A helpline tip alerted SORT analysts that a disgraced pediatrician, whose license to practice was revoked, is now associated with a nationally known not-for-profit. His new volunteer placement put him in a position where he performed fundraising for the society's youth camp. Concerned the doctor was misrepresenting himself and that children were exposed to a possible risk, PFML staff alerted the not-for-profit. As a result of these efforts the doctor was prohibited from involvement with this organization.

Helpline tip removes sexual offender from Facebook.  (3/11) A helpline tip alleged that a registered sex offender was utilizing a social networking site under a concealed identity. SORT analysts, in collaboration with network security, identified the individual and removed his access to the site.

Karate instructor gets the boot.  An anonymous tip alleged that a sex offender, convicted of child sexual abuse, was now employed as a karate instructor at a nearby center. It was further alleged that he was instructing children as young as 3 years old. SORT analysts confirmed his employment and the offender's registration status. Once confirmed, PFML staff collaborated with local news agencies and informed the community. As a result of this tip, the community was alerted and the instructor's association to the school terminated.

Helpline Tip lands stiff sentence for disgraced teacher.  A Helpline tipster identified a convicted sex offender and middle school math teacher, whose license to teach had been surrendered for distributing sexually explicit messages to his underage students, was now attempting to land a tutoring position within a professional based in-home tutoring company. Thanks to this tip and subsequent investigation, not only did this offender not land the job, but his probation was revoked. Update: (10/08/10) As a result of this offenders actions, he was sentenced to three-and-a-half to seven years in prison.

Unearthed photos led to a groundskeeper's arrest.  Acting on a helpline allegation of past child sexual abuses, agency staff collaborated with local law enforcement which lead to the uncovering of a school groundskeeper's buried stash of child pornography. His buried container had pornographic images of 11 and 12 year old boys totaling 15 victims. He was summarily arrested by investigators. Update: (09/16/2010) Offender plead guilty to this crime and received six months in jail and ten years of probation.

Anonymous helpline complaint shuts down daycare center and sends registered sex offender back to jail.  An anonymous tip alleged that a registered sex offender was residing within a home based day care center. Through a combined effort between local sheriffs, department of parole, and SORT analysts, the offender was violated and remanded to complete his sentence. The State revoked the child care licenses and legislation is now in committee that would make it a felony offense for a registered sex offender to reside within a day care center. Helpline tip removes sexual predicate from retail store. A helpline caller alleged that a registered sex offender was working in a retail location where he supervised teenage boys. Caller further alleged that offender was attempting to develop relationships with these boys. PFML analysts verified offender's status and contacted State Parole. Thanks to this tip and the follow-up investigation, this sexual offender is prohibited from working at this retail location. Update: Offender was later arrested and convicted of sexual abuse against a 15 year old child in connection to this case.

PFML gets cab company on board for a safer ride.  Community members concern that a registered sex offender, who was convicted of rape while operating his cab, was back in the driver's seat. SORT analysts verified offender's status and provided information to local law enforcement. Investigation disclosed that although there are no current restrictions preventing registrants from driving cabs, the livery company dismissed the offender. Further collaboration with the company formed a 'registry verification program'. In this program the company agrees to verify the registration status of all drivers and may post a decal identifying their involvement in our program.

Helpline tip makes Halloween a little safer.  Worried neighbors reported that a local sex offender was in violation of his probation when he decorated his home for Halloween. Concerned that this act was a simply rouge to lure young children onto his property on Halloween Day, neighbors reached out for help. PFML analysts, in collaboration with county probation, confirmed the violation and the offender was forced to remove his decorations. He was further forbid from answering his door on Halloween Day.

Registered offender arrested near school with drugs.  A Helpline caller alleged that a registered sex offender was in violation of his parole by repeatedly visiting the grounds of a local elementary school. SORT analyst verified registration status and with the help of state parole discovered that the offender, although no longer on parole for his sexual offences, had active restrictions concerning an earlier weapons charge. As a result of this tip the offender was arrested near the school and found to be in possession of marijuana. With his parole violated, the offender was returned to prison to serve out the duration of his original sentence.

Helpline tip helps apprehend absconder.  A sexually violent offender is back in jail charged with violation of registration thanks to a concerned caller. Alerted that a violent offender may have absconded, SORT analysts confirmed the registration status, and notified local authorities. This offender, who was convicted of victimizing a 4 year old child, was soon arrested for violation of state registration law.

Sex offender removed from positions of trust.  Thanks to the concern of a helpline tipster a registered sex offender was removed from his position of trust from both a Disney retail outlet, where he worked as a sales clerk and his employment at a local elementary school for disabled children. PFML analysts verified the registered offender's status and confirmed his employment by visual and recorded documentation. As a result of this tip the offender is no longer in positions of trust. Note: State and federal laws prohibiting such employment are pending.

Sex offender's dating plans foiled.  An anonymous tip alleged that a sex offender was utilizing Match.com, a popular internet dating service in violation of his probation. The Department of Probation was alerted of the situation and instructed the offender to close his account. Follow-up analysis by PFML staff proved that he did not comply. The Department of Probation was informed of his continued use of Match.com. As a result of this anonymous tip, the offender was removed from Match.com and punished by the Department of Probation.

Sex offender not welcome on Facebook.  A concerned tipster alerted our helpline analysts that a registered sex offender was actively interfacing on a popular social internet network. Concerned that this mechanism could be used to develop relationships with potential victims, SORT analysts and Facebook professionals moved quickly to verify the offenders status, develop evidence, and eliminate the offender's access to this site.

Sexual offender banded from chaperoning.  Alerted that a convicted sex offender was engaged as a 'field trip chaperone' by a local day care center, PFML staff acted promptly. Working with the State Attorney General's Office and Department of Parole, the chaperone's position, and connection to the center was separated.

Helpline Tip led to offender's Arrest.  Alarmed that an elder elementary school volunteer was allegedly grooming young children with the offer of candy and sleepovers, a concerned neighbor tipped our PFML Helpline. Additional analysis uncovered that the offender also took two of the children camping. State Police were notified and subsequent investigation led to the offender's arrest.