LOUIS AP β Many states have laws designed to keep children away from convicted sexual offenders on Halloween night, such as curfews for those on offender registries and requirements to keep their porch lights off. A law required registered offenders in Missouri to post signs on Oct. The ruling lets stand other provisions of the Missouri law that require people on the registry on Halloween to remain inside their home from 5 p.
The Missouri sign law is unique among states, but some cities and counties have tried similar laws that were either struck down in court or withdrawn as part of lawsuit settlements. Ross' ruling on the Missouri sign law drew a mixed response. Some said extraordinary steps are necessary on a night when children flood the streets and often knock on the doors of strangers. Others said the sign law was unnecessarily cruel β and even counterproductive.
But an extensive examination of crime data published in in the Sexual Abuse journal found no increased risk of sexual abuse of children on Halloween. Janice Bellucci, the lawyer for the Missouri man who challenged the law, said that for those forced to place the sign, the damage is long-lasting. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Thomas L.
Sanderson of Hazelwood, Missouri, a St. Louis suburb. He was convicted of second-degree sodomy in after a year-old family friend accused him of sexually touching her. Sanderson, who has maintained his innocence, was sentenced to two years in prison and required to register as a sexual offender for 25 years. The Missouri Halloween law was adopted two years later. People on the registry are responsible for making their own signs. The lawsuit said Sanderson asked police if he was subject to the law because his conviction happened before its passage.
He said he was told he was not, so he continued to host Halloween parties complete with animatronic figures, lights, a bonfire, music and candy, the lawsuit said. No sign was posted, and he was arrested. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for violating the Halloween statute and received probation. He sued last year. Alison Feigh, director of Jacob Wetterling Resource Center at Zero Abuse Project, which focuses on helping institutions prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse, said most assaults happen after offenders build relationships with victims and their families.
