VCSO conducting sexual predator/offender checks on Halloween
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VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The Volusia County Sheriff's Office announced they will conduct individual sexual predator and sexual offender checks during tonight's Halloween celebration.
The operation will take place in all 13 municipalities, on top of all unincorporated areas of Volusia County this evening. The sheriff's office will work in conjunction with the state Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Office.
Probation conditions that are being verified include:
(1) The Sexual Predator/Offender may not participate in the holiday celebration by having lights or decorations which attract or lure children to the home.
(2) The Sexual Predator/Offender may not participate in the holiday celebration by wearing a costume.
(3) The Sexual Predator/Offender may not participate in the holiday celebration by giving or handing out candy or toys.
The sheriff's office stated that sexual offenders and sexual predators not currenlty on probation, conditional release, or house arrest may participate in the Halloween festivities.
Florida State Statutes (s. 943.0435 and s. 775.21) does not prevent Sexual Offenders/Sexual Predators from participating in the holidays festivities, rather only covers residency and certain travel restrictions.
Parents and children participating in the Halloween festivities are encouraged to research their neighborhoods where they are likely to patronize for all known residences of sexual predators and sexual offenders within those neighborhoods. To do say you can access the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office home page, click on “Resources” and then “Florida Sexual Offender Registry.” They also may call the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Career Criminal Unit at (386) 248-1788 for assistance.