10-17-2007 Indiana:
Family Says Sex Offender To Move In Next Door
VERSAILLES, Ind. -- An Indiana family who said a sex offender plans to move in next door is taking matters into its own hands, and their neighbors said their new efforts are raising a few eyebrows.
The Ratliff family and neighbors received a notice from the city stating that Everett Scholl would be moving in, but the Ratliffs put up a sign just in case anyone didn't get the message, WLWT-TV in Cincinnati reported.
They put up an 8-foot by 6-foot sign at the edge of their property so everyone would know exactly what Scholl looks like and what he's done.
"I don't want him to move in because I'm, like, scared," said Erika Ratliff, 14.
Erika's mother, Faith Ratliff, 44, confirmed Scholl's incest and rape convictions on the Internet and included them on the sign.
"It's just kind of scary that he did it to his kids and he might do it again," said Alexis Ratliff, 13.
Authorities said the Ratliffs' sign is legal as long as it is accurate. The Ratliffs said they just hope the sign can keep their family and others safe.
MAYBE THE AUTHORITIES OUGHT TO READ WHAT
IS POSTED ON THE STATE'S REGISTRY:
Information contained on this site provides no representation as to any offender’s likelihood of re-offending or the nature of any future crimes that may be committed.
Information in this registry may not be used to harass or threaten offenders or their families. Harassment, stalking, or threats may violate Indiana law.
____ I verify that I have read the information on the purpose, limitations, and proper use if this registry as explained above.
Faith Ratliff said she wanted to address those who think she took her message too far.
"Put yourself in my situation -- would you want this to happen, would you want someone that did what he did to live 100 feet from your daughter's bedroom window and let him think, 'you know what, they don't know what I did'?" she said.
She said she wishes Indiana had a better notification system to tell residents when a sex offender purchases property or moves to a new location.
In Ohio, there is a system that sends postcards, and in Kentucky, you can register your ZIP code to be notified by phone when an offender moves nearby. ..more.. by NBC6.net
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