A Note to Sex Offenders

A note to all you sex offenders out there: when you take advantage of a sixteen year old girl, these are the consequences.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Sex offender Steven Elwell thought he had paid his debt to society. He lost his job as a teacher and served a year in prison for having sex with a 16-year-old female student.

Now, after three years on the outside, Elwell wants to move his wife and two children into a bigger home. They must find a house, though, that's not encompassed by sex offender-free zones being established by communities across New Jersey.

At least four towns ban sex offenders from living near schools, parks and playgrounds and others are considering similar restrictions. At least 14 states have such laws.

"We're outgrowing our house fairly quick," said Elwell, 34. "If we have to move, we'll have to find a map, get a plot of land and figure out where (the pedophile-free zone) doesn't reach."

Elwell, who now makes his living owning a pizzeria, doesn't expect sympathy. But he argues the ordinances are too broad, providing a false sense of security at the expense of ex-cons already kept on a tight leash by Megan's Law, the pioneering New Jersey sex offender registry law.

If it were up to some of us, convicted sex offenders would be hung by the neck until dead, publically. If this parasite has to deal with pervert-free zones, and not lynch mobs, he should count himself lucky. Anyone who preys on individuals under the age of consent proves that they're a predator, and unwilling to follow the law of the land, even if it's for no better reason than escaping punishment. They can deal with the consequences and stop whining.