Pocono News Section

Keeping an Eye on Sex Offenders

Keeping an Eye on Sex Offenders - Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 3:45PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Wednesday, Mar 3, 2010 @ 04:45pm EST
There’s shock and disbelief as we learn more about the brutal murder of a California teenager allegedly killed by a registered sex offender.

The murder of 17-year-old Chelsea King has raised many questions about how sex offenders are monitored. The big one is, how can society keep an eye on sex offenders? In Pennsylvania alone there are 13,000 sex offenders. It is no easy task.

King was raped and murdered as she jogged in a public park in San Diego. Registered sex offender John Gardner is the suspect. There are questions as to whether anyone knew he lived near that park.

PA State Trooper Martin Connors tracks sex offenders in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Under Megan’s Law all offenders have to register with the state police. Most have to register once a year. The most violent sexual predators have to register every three months.

"It's very challenging. A lot of times these guys don't want to be found. It is basically a manhunt. You go to their last address. A lot of times these guys are very transient. They move 4, 5, 6 times," said Connors.

Trooper Connors says people should check the state police website and check who is living in their neighborhood and if they have any concerns to call state police.

They can also check out other websites like . It has a map of where offenders live.

"It's good, user friendly as far as showing where you live, what sex offenders live around you. What I would do is visit the actual state police registration just to verify," added Connors.

Trooper Connors says neighbors being vigilant can make the difference. You can also call this state police hotline number with concerns or questions. It’s 1-866-771-3170.