Violent Predator Wasn't Being Closely Monitored

Sex offender profiling: Why was this man arrested? He doesn't fit the original description of the person seen lingering around the school. I don't care what his background is, there must be some connection to the alleged criminal act; here there is none, except an apparent Registry ID photo, likely showing his earlier crimes. Even the police say, there is no connection, then why arrest him?

3-11-2010 California:

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ― Despite being categorized as a violent sexual predator, the man who was arrested after allegedly lingering at a local high school twice in a week was not being closely monitored, according to authorities.

Hugh Levell Stewart, 55, was arrested Wednesday afternoon after Del Campo High School staff positively identified him as the man who was hanging around the school's football field wearing all black clothing.

Authorities were already on high alert after a recent series of sexual battery incidents against female students who were walking to campus, and although the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department says there is no immediate connection between Stewart and those attacks, investigators feared he was scouting for future victims.

"Mr. Stewart has a history of forcible rape convictions, lewd acts with children. He's got a weapons history," said Sgt. Mike Jones of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department.

Stewart was released from a state hospital a little over a year ago, despite being labeled a sexually violent predator by three criteria.

"One: You have to have one sexually violent offense," said local defense attorney Ken Rosenfeld. "Two: you have to have a current diagnosable mental disorder. Three: because of the disorder, you're likely to reoffend."

Rosenfeld said doctors reevaluate sexually violent predators every two years, and that age can change the offender's status.

"Statistics show sexually violent predators, once they reach age 55, slow down tremendously," Rosenfeld said.

Because of his classification, Stewart was required to register where he lived every 90 days, and he was also banned from schools and other areas where children congregate. Violating that requirement prompted Wednesday's arrest, authorities said.

Since January 28, three 15-year-old female students were approached and groped while walking to Del Campo High School on a catwalk leading from Moraga Drive, authorities said.

The suspect in all three cases is described as a white man in his 20s. He is 5'8" to 6' tall, has short black hair, a chubby face, and a medium build. He was wearing a black hooded jacket and baggy jeans. A composite sketch of the suspect has been released.

Anyone with any information regarding these incidents, is asked to call Sheriff's detectives at (916) 874-5070; or send a text message tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. ..Source.. 13 cw31.com