Saturday, October 31, 2009

John Harold Medeiros - Repeat Sex Offender - Stalking Children


CHICO — Police said a registered sex offender who lives near Rio Lindo Avenue has twice allegedly jumped out of bushes on a bike path to scare the same 12 year-old girl, who attends a nearby charter school.

Police said an investigation into the incidents has focused on John Harold Medeiros, 44.

Detective Terry Moore said the CORE Butte Charter School has e-mailed parents of its 400 students to warn that Medeiros lives nearby, and has been seen on what police consider to be school grounds.

Moore said Medeiros' original conviction as a sex offender does not require him to live at least 2,000 feet from a school or playground.
He said the man has a long, violent criminal history which includes convictions for molesting a child, sexually assaulting an adult, forgery and failing to register as a sex offender.

Medeiros is currently in compliance with his sex offender registration requirements, but Moore said police fear he may escalate his activities involving children.

Police have unconfirmed reports Medeiros has been seen near the school staring at children and in some cases motioning them to come to him.
Moore said police have contacted the man and warned him to stop annoying children.

Moore said police can't prove Medeiros has broken any laws, including the terms of his parole. He isn't currently wanted.

"What we're hoping will happen is parents will tell their children not to ride or walk on the bike path anymore," Moore said.

He noted property managers for the apartment where Medeiros lives are getting some heat, and it's possible the man will be relocating soon.

Moore said Medeiros is the first sex offender the department has named who has not been arrested or charged with a specific crime.

"Once we know a sex offender is acting out, it's our job under the law to warn and protect the public," Moore said.

"25% of all sex offenders re-offend within 15 years"
.........Sarah Tofte

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