Five registered sex offenders were arrested Sunday in Milwaukee County for allegedly violating their rules of supervision for Halloween, according to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
TODAY’S TMJ4 was on scene for one of the arrests as probation and parole agents made 231 random visits to offenders on Sunday.
The team of agents and Milwaukee police took a man into custody after finding a large bowl of candy inside his home and his porch light turned on. Because he is a registered sex offender, those are violations of his supervision and not allowed.
Offenders also cannot wear costumes, or have decorations inside or outsides their homes.
“They have to remain in their house during the trick or treat hours, one hour before up to one hour after,” agent, Jaclyn Alvarado said.
Families like Gwen Murphy and her granddaughter were thankful for the extra protection on the streets today.
“Of course I appreciate it. I’ve got granddaughters. I don’t have time worrying about this,” Murphy said.
It gave them and others the chance to enjoy the holiday and maybe just satisfy their sweet tooth.
“We’re trying to make this a safe place for the kids in the community to participate in Halloween, just one step to having some sense of security and safety,” Alvarado said.
Last year eight sex offenders were arrested for alleged supervision violations in Milwaukee County during the operation. They made 166 home visits. Statewide, agents conducted more than 2,200 visits and took 43 offenders into custody. The Department of Corrections supervises more than 6,000 registered sex offenders throughout Wisconsin.
You can find out where registered sex offenders are living through the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. — https://appsdoc.wi.gov/public
If you find any potential violations of Halloween restrictions, report them to the Sex Offender Safe Tip Line at 1-877-234-0085.
