If it is determined that something is not according to law about the Haven, hopefully whatever it is, is also applied to others living in the vicinity. It would be a shame -or unlawful- to apply a different standard to the Haven than to other folks in the vicinity.2-9-2010 Oklahoma:
Lincoln County officials say they don’t think foundation complies with law
CHANDLER — Mickie Hatfield said she and her husband moved from Edmond to rural Lincoln County eight years ago for a slower pace of life and better peace of mind.
Her biggest worry was snakes, so she learned to use a shotgun.
These days snakes are the least of her troubles, she said, because now she has eight sex offenders as neighbors.
Hatfield, 59, said she keeps that shotgun handy in her kitchen.
Phil and Mickie Hatfield’s 130 acres is adjacent to land where Tom Wright is housing eight sex offenders. For the past two years, Wright has used the property three miles north of Chandler as a home base for his foundation aimed at helping registered sex offenders by offering them room and board in exchange for carpentry work for his business, Wright Way Homes.
Wright said the proceeds for his business go back into his foundation to help sex offenders who might otherwise be homeless. He said God is directing him to help them.
"I’m going to keep going until God tells me otherwise,” Wright said in an interview last week with The Oklahoman.
The Hatfields and their neighbors found out in January what Wright was doing and want him shut down. They say authorities are moving slowly and seem reluctant to close his operation, even though he may be violating the law.
"We have enough sex offenders of our own in this county,” Mickie Hatfield said. "We don’t want our community to be known as a safe haven for them, because before long it won’t be safe for the average person.”
Five of the eight sex offenders living on Wright’s property are classified as level 3 offenders, requiring they stay registered forever. Their crimes include child molestation, rape, lewd acts with a child and sexual battery.
Records show there are 90 registered sex offenders in Lincoln County.
Sheriff plans to visit foundation owner
Assistant District Attorney Clayton Niemeyer said since the neighborhood has become aware of Wright’s operation he’s been getting calls almost daily from concerned residents.
"It’s like owning a chicken ranch and having someone move in next door with a coyote farm,” Niemeyer said. "A lot of these people have children and don’t feel safe anymore.”
Niemeyer said he doesn’t think Wright is in compliance with the law that requires a treatment center provide licensed professional counselors, and that those on parole not be living with other sex offenders. He said until the sheriff brings him evidence, he can’t charge Wright with a crime.
Sheriff Chuck Mangion said he plans to visit Wright this morning and tell him to cease his operation until he meets legal requirements for a treatment center.
Mangion said he won’t elaborate on what could happen next until he has spoken with Wright.
About 25 neighbors and concerned residents met Saturday at a local church to discuss what could be done.
Mickie Hatfield said they’re going to continue to stay vigilant with authorities and possibly take out an advertisement in the local newspaper to educate people that their money is going to help convicted rapists and child molesters if they do business with Wright Way Homes.
She said a civil lawsuit also was discussed.
"One of the worst parts about all this is that the people that live around him (Wright) have had to change their lives to satisfy his whim,” said Gerry Greenfield-Elliot, who lives about a mile from Wright.
Greenfield-Elliot, 77, said a Girl Scout camp has been on her property for more than 40 years. She said she’ll be meeting with leaders this week to determine whether they can continue to have the summer, overnight camp stays.
Parents living nearby have changed their work schedules to ensure their children aren’t left home alone, she said.
"We were living quietly in the country until all this,” Greenfield-Elliot said. "Now we’re all scared to leave our doors unlocked.” ..Source.. ANN KELLEY
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