AR- Lack of translators for sex offender program

1-14-2009 Arkansas:

BENTONVILLE (AP) The state Correction Department says it does not have enough translators to accommodate non-English speakers if they are ordered into a treatment program for sex offenders.

The issue came to light after Circuit Judge David Clinger included the year-long treatment program as part of the sentences for two sex offenders. The department wrote Clinger, asking him to drop the requirement for the two convicts and to not make participation in the program a requirement if the defendant does not speak English.

Correction Department spokeswoman Dina Tyler said two men Clinger sentenced have holds through Immigration and Customs Enforcement and will likely be deported immediately upon release, Tyler said.

For men, the department provides a Reduction of Sexual Victimization Program, Tyler said. Inmates live in a facility together and attend the full-day program for one year. Dedicating a full-time translator is not financially feasible, she said.

She said the department has translators available on an as-needed basis and hopes to hire a staff translator, but that person couldn't staff the treatment program full-time.

The department says about 360 of its inmates are Hispanic. Tyler says most speak at least some English.
"This non-English speaking population is new for us. Most of our population of this nature is coming from Benton County," Tyler said.

Benton County Deputy Prosecutor Stephanie McLemore said treatment is essential for sex offenders.

"Anytime someone is going to the Department of Correction and will be registered as a sex offender, we include that (treatment)," McLemore said. Her office will have to discuss options in light of the letter to Clinger, she said.

Tyler said Clinger was the only judge in Arkansas to receive the letter. Earlier, Clinger ordered two illegal immigrants into the program Gerardo Sandoval in January 2007 and Elvin Landaverde in August, both for sexual assault. Those inmates have the immigration agency holds posted.

On Monday, Clinger sentenced Ruperto Juarez, 45, of Bethel Heights to 22 years in prison of the rape of a 15-year-old girl.

When considering a request for inclusion in the sex offender treatment program, Clinger told lawyers about the problem.

"I don't want to include a requirement that he can't meet," Clinger said, especially if Juarez will seek parole. Juarez can ask for parole in a little more than four years, because he has credit for 463 days served in jail. ..News Source.. by The Cabin.net