A Level III sex offender is returning to Austin.

Tuesday, February 08, 2000

A Level III sex offender is returning to Austin.

In accordance with the Community Notification Act, the Austin Police Department will conduct a community notification meeting, beginning at 7 p.m Feb. 16, at St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp told reporters today of the 1996 law passed by the Minnesota Legislature allowing law enforcement to notify child care providers, when a convicted sex offender is being released from prison.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections has established risk levels I, II and III. Level I is the lowest risk of re-offending and Level III is the highest.

According to the police chief, two Level II offenders have been released into the community without incident.

"Convicted sex offenders have always been released to live in our community," Philipp said. "However, it was not until the Community Notification Act was passed in 1996 that corrections and law enforcement were allowed to share this information with the public."

Today, letters were sent home with Austin school children apprising them and their families of the Feb. 16 meeting.

A panel of experts from the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Mower County Attorney’s office and Austin Police Department as well as Crime Victims Resource Center will be present February 16 to answer questions.

The individual, a male, was not identified and has not yet been released from prison.

Among the precautions to be taken will be the assignment of an intensive supervision case worker to the individual.

The Austin Police Department is unable to provide any information prior to the Feb. 16 meeting. If anyone has a question, they may call the department at 437-9400.