Mistaken sex offender

11-16-2012 Utah:

The sex offender registry is designed to protect you and your family from sexual predators; it's a valuable tool, keeping you informed. But what happens if you end up on that registry, not because you're a sex offender but by mistake.

For Iftikhar Khan, of Pleasant Grove, Utah, it began with a letter from the state of Utah, and immediately, his jaw dropped. “I've been identified as a sex offender by some outside source.” That outside source is the state of Maine.

In late September, Maine authorities were trying to locate a man who committed a sex crime in Houlton in 1989. A person who needs to register as a sex offender and they thought they've found him in Utah. The problem is, Khan was on active duty in Greece at the time. And though their names and birthdays are similar, they are not a perfect match.

So what happened? According to authorities in both Maine and Utah. Maine investigators had found Iftikhar Khan on-line, pulled details like his social security number from Utah's database then forwarded it back to Utah as their missing sex offender. Utah then put khan on its own registry, No questions asked, and only notified him afterwards.

A spokesperson for the Maine attorney general's office, Brenda Kielty, declined to speak on camera but gave details to News 13. She says after hearing from Khan, Utah agreed to suspend his name from the registry, while Maine asked Khan to send his fingerprints to cross-check with the missing sex offender. Khan did, they didn't match and both Maine and Utah then cleared his name, But only after he'd hired lawyers, and was publicly listed as a sex offender for an agonizing four days.

Maine officials acknowledge their role in this case of mistaken identity but insist the same mistake would not have happened in reverse. They say it's their policy to always notify someone in writing before putting their name on the sex offender registry, giving that person a chance to dispute the claims in advance. And, in fact, Utah just changed its policies to do the same to avoid repeating what they told our Utah affiliate, was a very serious error.

His name was up there wrongly and that's concerning, of course. This is the first time anyone working over there on the sex offender registry has heard about that happening. As for Khan, he's glad to be cleared but still angry, and wondering if he's alone in all of this.

Officials in Maine and Utah insist, this is an isolated case and one, both states say, won't happen again. ..Source.. by WGME13.com

No new jail time in Hopewell sex offender hit-and-run case

See background story ...

10-17-2011 Virginia:

HOPEWELL _ A 20-year-old man accused of trying to run over a convicted sex offender as he fled on a moped entered a plea today that calls for no additional jail time, an agreement that was angrily denounced by the victim.

Daniel R. Narron of Hopewell pleaded guilty in Hopewell Circuit Court to attempted unlawful wounding, a felony, and to disorderly conduct and hit and run, both misdemeanors.

Approving the terms of the agreement, Judge Samuel E. Campbell sentenced Narron to five years for the felony and 12 months for each misdemeanor charge, but the judge suspended all of the jail time. Narron, who has spent about 11 months in jail, was expected to be released today.

Also today, three co-defendants entered pleas to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and failure to report an accident. Each was convicted and told the charges would be dismissed after one year if the defendants remain on good behavior.

Those defendants are Damon J. Silvestro of Colonial Heights and Eric B. Harris and Thomas W. McCall, both of Hopewell.

After today’s proceedings, the victim in the case, Rudolph Ellis, 54, criticized the plea agreement for Narron, saying, “I was running for my life. That young man tried to kill me. This whole thing is a joke.”

Ellis also excoriated the Hopewell Police Department, saying they refused to pursue an investigation and that officers had harassed him.

Hopewell Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Newman said after the hearing that he turned over the investigation to Virginia State Police because “the police department didn’t do anything.”

Asked if he knew why the police took no action, Newman said, “I have no idea.”

The incident occurred Oct. 16, 2010. Since then, Hopewell has hired a new police chief, John Keohane, a former high-ranking Richmond police official. The former chief, Steven D. Martin, had a contentious relationship with Newman.

A phone message left at the police department today was not immediately returned.

Ellis has testified that he was confronted at a convenience store and that, after cursing back, he left on his moped and soon found himself being chased by Narron and his three companions.

At one point, Ellis darted through some trees and behind a house in an effort to lose them, but his pursuers didn't give up, he said. As Ellis darted across Hill Avenue to get to a friend's house, he said, his moped was struck from behind and he fell to the ground uninjured. The suspects then drove away, he said.

Narron’s attorney, James Maloney, told the judge today that Narron had only been trying to scare Ellis and had not meant to strike him. He said the moped had shot out from behind a house in front of Narron’s vehicle.

“He has never been in trouble before this,” Maloney said of his client.

The attorney added that the incident represents a momentary, alcohol-fueled lapse in judgment and that Narron has taken full responsibility for his actions. ..Source.. by Reed Williams

Deputies: Man Seeking 'Companionship Sessions' Shot

10-4-2011 Florida:

Detectives Say Argument About Session With Triggerman's Wife Led To Shooting

STUART, Fla. -- A man who was visiting a Stuart couple in response to an Internet advertisement for "companionship sessions" was shot by the husband during an altercation, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies were called about a shooting at the mobile home on Northeast 15th Terrace early Monday morning.

According to the incident report, Daniel and Sarah Diodato told detectives they were advertising on the Internet for companionship sessions with Sarah. Kyle Hicks, a 33-year-old registered sex offender, replied to the ad and was invited inside their home.

Detectives said Daniel was in the back bedroom while Sarah and Hicks negotiated a price for the session in the living room. Detectives said an argument began when Daniel entered the room.

According to the report, Hicks didn't like the idea of Daniel being present during the session. Daniel told detectives that Hicks wanted his money back and began fighting with them, at one point choking Sarah.

Detectives said Daniel then retrieved a 12-gauge shotgun from underneath the couch in the living room and fired one shot, striking Hicks in the abdomen. Daniel then called 911.

Daniel wouldn't talk to WPBF 25 News' Meredith McDonough about what happened.

"I wasn't here," he said. "I'm sorry."

Hicks was listed in critical condition at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center.

Detectives continue to investigate, but no arrests have been made. ..Source.. by WPBF.com

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POLICE: Jensen Beach internet prostitute's customer shot by husband

JENSEN BEACH, Fla. -- A 33-year-old man who claimed to be a mixed martial arts fighter was incapacitated by a shotgun after a fight with an internet prostitute and her husband early Monday morning, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities say they were called to a mobile home on Northeast 15th Terrace at 1:12 a.m., alerted by a 9-1-1 made by the husband, Daniel Jason Diodato, 27, after the shooting.

Kyle Ryan Hicks, 33, of Stuart told police he came to the mobile home expecting sex, after finding Sarah Ruth Diodato, 21, on the "Backpage" website, where adult personals moved after Craigslist stopped allowing "adult services" postings. The suspect told police he was "shot for no reason."

Daniel Diodato told police his wife offered sex via online ads and that the john became upset after paying $120 and finding him there to provide security for his wife. Sarah Diodato said the suspect wanted sex and became angry when she had offered only "companionship," such as a half-hour massage, and that's when her husband intervened and a fight began.

Daniel Diodato told police he shot the suspect after he had beaten both Daniel and his wife, telling them he was an MMA fighter. He said he would have shot the suspect "center of mass" had he not been holding his wife at the time, and instead shot him in his left hip area.

Hicks left a lot of blood at the scene and was transported the Lawnwood Regional Medical Center. As of 6 p.m. Monday, Hicks is listed in fair condition.

Hicks was listed as a suspect on reports, while the Diodatos were listed as victims, though no arrests have been made. Martin County Sheriff's detectives continue to investigate. ..Source.. by WPEC - CBS12.com

Wayne County family posts sex offender warning signs after claiming neighbor attacked their child

6-21-2011 Ohio:

RITTMAN, Ohio - They are warning signs that have caused quite a stir in the usually quiet town of Rittman.

The signs read, "Beware, a sex offender lives close." Some residents are extremely upset about the signs, urging city officials to have them taken down.

The signs were made out of large pieces of plywood and spray paint by concerned father Mike Sayre.

Sayre made the signs six weeks ago, after he claimed his 8-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by a neighbor. But some residents living near Sayre's home said the signs are creating a panic and are damaging to property values.

"I'm just trying to protect my kids, and other children in the neighborhood," said Sayre. "My signs are 100 percent legal. I don't name anybody, it's a public warning."

Still, some neighbors have turned to the Chippewa Township Trustees, who are now trying to determine if the warning signs are a violation of any township regulations.

Rachelle Sayre supports her husband and the signs posted in all parts of their front and backyard.

"We're trying to warn them, we don't want this to happen to their children," said Sayre. "He could do this to any child in this neighborhood.

5 On Your Side contacted the Wayne County Prosecutor's office, and it has pledged to increase the number of resources committed to the ongoing investigation.

The neighbor involved in this case has been questioned by the Wayne County Sheriff's Department, but has not been charged.

Wayne County Children Services is also looking into the case, and is helping the Sayre family with counseling.

The Chippewa Township Trustees still aren't sure if the signs will need to come down.

"It's no different than going to the Wayne County sex offender website and searching for somebody," said Sayre. "I have no plans to take them out of my yard." ..Source.. by Joe Pagonakis, newsnet5.com

UPDATE: Attack on sexual assault suspect ends with three men in jail

8-13-2012 Oregon:

10:30 a.m.

Two men allegedly used a wrench and wooden baton to beat a man they suspected of sexually assaulting two young girls, police said.

Moses LaPorte, 18 and Christopher Garrett, 19, are both held in the Jackson County Jail on attempted murder, second- and third-degree assault charges.

The assault took place in Elderberry Flats above the campground near East Evans Creek Road, Jackson County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Andrea Carlson said.
LaPorte and Garrett allegedly drove out there just after 8 p.m. Saturday with Christopher Tabor, 23.

Tabor was allegedly struck once in the head with the baton before fleeing and calling authorities at the Bimor station near the corner of Highway 234 and Antioch Road.

Tabor was taken to Rogue Regional Medical Center, treated and released before being arrested by Medford police, the agency investigating the alleged sexual assault.

Sheriff's Office deputies arrested both men just after midnight Sunday in the 300 block of South Oakdale Avenue. The attempted murder charge was added following interviews with both suspects, Carlson said.


10 a.m.

Two Medford men face attempted murder charges for allegedly beating an acquaintance in what police called retaliation for a suspected sexual assault of two girls over the weekend.

The sexual assault suspect also was arrested.

Moses LaPorte, 18, and Christopher Garrett, 19, who both live in the 300 block of South Oakdale Avenue, allegedly drove Christopher Tabor, 23, out to a remote area in the county Saturday night, Medford police said.

"They lured him out to an area in the county and they severely beat him," said Medford police Sgt. Brent Mak.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Department responded to an emergency call on the incident and arrested LaPorte and Garrett.

"In the process of arresting them, (police) learned that this is in retaliation for a sexual assault on two minor individuals," Mak said. "We are still investigating."

Sheriff's department officials have not yet returned phone calls to provide details on the incident.

Tabor was taken to Rogue Regional Medical Center (correction: the name of the hospital has been updated in the story), where he was treated and released. Medford police then arrested him on first-, second- and third-degree sex abuse charges. He remains in jail today on more than $1 million bail.

LaPorte is held on more than $2 million bail on attempted murder, second- and third-degree assault charges. Garrett is held on more than $1 million bail on the same charges.

Court records show none of the three men have any criminal history in Jackson County. ..Source.. by Ryan Pfeil

Mother sets fire to her daughter's gloating rapist

6-26-2005 Spain:

A Spanish mother has taken revenge on the man who raped her 13-year-old daughter at knifepoint by dousing him in petrol and setting him alight. He died of his injuries in hospital on Friday.

Antonio Cosme Velasco Soriano, 69, had been sent to jail for nine years in 1998, but was let out on a three-day pass and returned to his home town of Benejúzar, 30 miles south of Alicante, on the Costa Blanca.

While there, he passed his victim's mother in the street and allegedly taunted her about the attack. He is said to have called out "How's your daughter?", before heading into a crowded bar.

Shortly after, the woman walked into the bar, poured a bottle of petrol over Soriano and lit a match. She watched as the flames engulfed him, before walking out.

The woman fled to Alicante, where she was arrested the same evening. When she appeared in court the next day in the town of Orihuela, she was cheered and clapped by a crowd, who shouted "Bravo!" and "Well done!"

A judge ordered her to be held in prison and undergo psychiatric tests, provoking anger from friends and neighbours, who have set up a petition calling for her release.

Soriano suffered 60 per cent burns in the attack on June 13 and was airlifted to a specialist unit. He survived for 11 days before succumbing to his injuries.

It is understood that the woman, who cannot be named because of laws safeguarding the identity of rape victims, claims to have no recollection of the attack which took place in the Bar Mary, just 300 yards from the family home.

As decorators painted over the blackened walls of his bar last week, Antonio Ferrendez Lopez told how Soriano had walked in at lunchtime.

"The place was packed with people eating. I was sitting at a table and Soriano was standing at the bar very close to me when the woman walked in," he said. "She didn't acknowledge anyone but walked up to Soriano, who was drinking a coffee, put her hand on his shoulder and turned him round to face her.

"Then she pulled the bottle she was carrying from under her arm and began to tip it over him. At first I didn't realise what was happening, but then I smelt the petrol. I jumped up and tried to grab her, but when she struck a match I got clear.

"The petrol was in a pool around Soriano, and she threw the match into it. It ignited with a whoosh, and he screamed and staggered about covered in flames. As people rushed outside to escape the flames, she just looked at him, then turned and walked away."

Customers helped Mr Lopez put out the fire with extinguishers and doused Soriano with water until paramedics arrived.

Soriano's attack on the woman's teenage daughter took place in 1998. The girl was going to buy a loaf of bread when Soriano snatched her from the street, threatened her with a knife and raped her. Her mother is said to have suffered mental illness ever since.

Soriano was convicted of the rape and ordered to serve 13 years in jail. The sentence was later reduced to nine years on appeal.

The woman's lawyer, Joaquín Galant, told The Sunday Telegraph last night: "The family has suffered a double tragedy. First the attack on their daughter and now this. Both the father and his daughter would like to express their sadness at the death of Soriano."

Earlier, Mr Galant said that the woman did not deserve to be kept in prison. "For seven years she has been deeply affected by what was done to her daughter," he said. "This man, fresh from prison and asking how her daughter was, might be considered to have provoked her." ..Source.. by Peter Upton