VT- Accused Sex Offender Can Stay in Burlington

10-3-2008 Vermont:

Just weeks after a judge ordered an accused teenage sex offender out of Burlington-- it appears he can stay after all.

The case began when Dustin Moore, 18, was released from a juvenile detention center after an alleged sex offense.

He moved back to his parent's house in Burlington's New North End across the street from an elementary school.

Judge Ben Joseph ordered Moore to move after tensions arose when residents learned that he may be a sex offender and that he is facing new charges stemming from an alleged sex offense that took place while he was at the detention center.

Moore pled innocent and is currently awaiting trial.

Judge Ben Joseph released him with orders not to live within 1,000 feet of a school or day care-- a rule also being considered by the Burlington City Council. But that's a problem because Moore can't find a residence within city limits that meets that simple requirement. So the court decided to drop that restriction, rather than face the possible alternative of Moore becoming homeless.

"When we're presented with a choice of do we want to know where Mr. Moore is at all times, or if we follow the rule of he can't live within 1,000 feet of a school or day care facility- that basically makes him homeless- or at the very best, transient. I think it's a far better policy for public safety purposes to know where Mr. Moore is," Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan said.

Moore is currently living on Flynn Avenue in the South End of Burlington. Donovan says there is a day care in the area and managers have been alerted to Moore's proximity. Immediate neighbors have also been informed of his presence. Moore is also required to check in with Burlington police twice a day.

The case is due back in court in a few weeks. Donovan has said that Moore does not have a lot of job training or education. So, they're hoping to work with the defense toward a solution that will provide Moore with the skills and training needed to become a productive member of society. But Donovan says the resolution also has to protect the public. ..News Source.. by Rachael Morrow - WCAX News