IN- Bus stop controversy

9-19-2008 Indiana:

MONROEVILLE, Ind. (WANE) - Parents tell Newschannel 15 they're not comfortable with who lives in front of their children's Monroeville bus stop, but the school district says there's nothing to worry about.

The person in question is on the state's sex and violent offender registry. While that can sound alarming, there's more to this story.

"We all feel that that stop should be moved," says a concerned mom who wished to remain anonymous. She wasn't happy with what her neighbors found online.

"One of the neighbors brought over a sheet that she had printed off, showing his name and that he was on the sex offender registry," she said.

There are no official signs, but the official bus stop for kids living in the area of Ohio and Barnhart is just a few steps away from the house in question.

The man in question lives there, and is on the registry for a crime that dates back more than 10 years. What the registry fails to make clear is the nature of his charges, so Newschannel 15 went looking for answers.

His mother was home when we went there. We asked the details of his conviction.

"It was a domestic thing between him and his wife. It had nothing to do with children whatsoever," the mother said.

The sex offender had spent a year in jail for the charges, but will spend the rest of his life on the registry... a registry that can leave confusion.

"There are a lot of different ways you can get on the registry. Every offender is different," said Corporal Jeff Shimkus of the Allen County Sheriff's Department. He says convictions of Criminal Confinement to murder can make the list... none of which are sexual.

Still, a Monroeville mother is concerned.

"It's quite scary, not only for my own son, but for the neighborhood's children who get off there everyday," she said.

In a statement to Newschannel 15, the school district says, quote, "After discussion and review with local law enforcement, East Allen County Schools does not see a necessity to move the bus stop at this time."

Again, the sex offender's charges have nothing to do with children whatsoever. Police say where he lives now does not violate the rules of the registry, and the school district feels it is perfectly safe for children to get on and off the bus in front of this house. ..News Source.. by WANE TV