Warning: Philip Publuske - Repeat Sex Offender

Probation officials believe Publuske is at risk to re-offend

A three-time sex offender whose probation includes terms that prohibit him from being in schools, parks and playgrounds is planning to move to Owen Sound, city police warned Friday.

Probation officials believe Publuske is at risk to re-offend

Philip Publuske, 37, has told provincial probation officials he plans to move to the city after he’s released from jail Monday, according to a statement from Owen Sound Police Services Insp. Vince Wurfel.

City police issued the warning late Friday afternoon, although Wurfel added in a subsequent interview that Publuske’s plan “is not 100 per cent confirmed.”

Probation officials believe Publuske is at risk to re-offend. His criminal record includes three convictions and prison terms for sexual offenses involving adolescent boys.

Probation officials believe Publuske is at risk to re-offend

Publuske, who is now at the Maplehurst Correctional Centre, has family in Owen Sound. Police expect if he returns to the city he will live at one of two addresses: 731 8th Ave. E. or 1135 12th St. E.

Publuske was convicted in July 2007 on charges of possession of child pornography. His record also includes a 2003 Waterloo Region conviction of possessing child pornography and convictions in February 2000 in Owen Sound of two counts of sexual assault and one of sexual exploitation.

Probation officials believe Publuske is at risk to re-offend

In the Owen Sound cases, the victims were adolescents who were known to Publuske, Wurfel said.

Publuske is subject to conditions outlined in a three-year probation order and a 10-year prohibition order. The orders ban him from areas where children under 14 years of age can reasonably be expected. That includes parks, swimming pools, playgrounds, day-care centres, community centres and schools, Wurfel said.

Probation officials believe Publuske is at risk to re-offend

“We’re making the public aware that this person may be in the city and what this person may look like,” Wurfel said. “We’re trying to reduce any potential risk to people in the community.”

Although Publuske has said he plans to come to Owen Sound, he could change his mind. If so, police will issue another further statement, Wurfel said.

The Ontario Police Act authorizes police to disclose personal information about offenders where there is “information to believe an individual poses a significant risk of harm to people or property,” Wurfel said.

Probation officials believe Publuske is at risk to re-offend