EPPD changes way it informs residents about convicted sex offenders

Now using “robo calls” instead of other traditional forms of notification

By Mike Rego
Posted 5/25/17

EAST PROVIDENCE — Some residents recently have been startled by the perceived surge in the frequency and number of notifications they’ve received from law enforcement about the presence …

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EPPD changes way it informs residents about convicted sex offenders

Now using “robo calls” instead of other traditional forms of notification

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — Some residents recently have been startled by the perceived surge in the frequency and number of notifications they’ve received from law enforcement about the presence of registered sex offenders living in the city.
East Providence Police Detective Lieutenant Raymond Blinn said he recognizes the concern, but cautions those most affected to understand there is not an increase in the amount of convicted sexual predators residing here, only that his department is doing a more efficient job of making the community aware of their presence.
Lt. Blinn said EPPD personnel are working off a directive of Chief Christopher Parella, who in response to some unrest expressed by homeowners in the neighborhood around the Rumford Motor Inn late last year, sought to improve the way the department alerts residents when sex offenders return to or move into the city.
Instead of hand-delivering flyers to homes or providing them to students at nearby schools, the EPPD is now informing residents through robotic phone calls, “robo calls,” according to the lieutenant. He said it is a more effective, expedient means of delivering the information in a timely manner. This process is done for Level II and III offenders. By law, police cannot notify residents of Level I offenders, the lowest status of transgression according to Rhode Island General Law.
“After that meeting we felt there was more we could do. Chief Parella asked us to figure out a better way of getting the information out to the residents, so that’s when we instituted the robot calls,” Lt. Blinn explained. “It’s not that there’s an influx of sex offenders living in the city. It’s just that we’re doing a better job of notifying the community.”
As of late last week, 22 Level II and III offenders were listed on the state Parole Board’s Sexual Offender Registration and Community Notification website as currently residing in the city. Lt. Blinn said when adding all those convicted of sex offender crimes whose last listed address was in East Providence, that number rises to approximately 60. At any given moment or any given day, he said the actual total is usually between 56 or 58.
“In recent years we’ve had around 60 registered sex offenders that live in the city. That number has been pretty consistent,” Lt. Blinn said. “But that number also includes some who are still in prison or who may not live here anymore, but East Providence is their listed address. So, it fluctuates up and down around 60.”
Where registered sex offenders can live is also a topic of keen interest. According to current RIGL Chapter 11-37.1-10, convicted sexual predators cannot live within 300 feet of schools, daycare or residences specific to their crimes. An addendum to the law passed by the General Assembly in 2015, which would have increased the limit 1,000 feet, is in litigation. The enforceable distance remains 300 feet.
With that in mind, the EPPD monitors convicted sex offenders and updates the list on a regular basis, said Lt. Blinn. The department has an officer dedicated to the matter, Detective Corporal Mark Jones. Cpl. Jones’ duties also include representing the EPPD on the U.S. Marshals’ Fugitive and Sex Offender Task Force.
“Basically, what we want people to know is that there isn’t an influx of sex offenders in the city. It’s consistently been around the same number, 60. About a third of those are Level II’s and III’s,” Lt. Blinn added. “If people have any questions or concerns, they can contact us or check on the probation and parole website (http://www.paroleboard.ri.gov/sexoffender/olist/search.php). We’re constantly updating it and trying to make the community aware.”

Registered Level II and III sex offenders in East Providence, as of May 25, 2017
Alden, Richard - East Providence - Level III
Anthony, Mark - East Providence - Level III
Bennett, James - East Providence - Level II
Bennett, Roger - East Providence - Level II
Canejo, Alvaro - East Providence - Level II
Cruz, Joshua - East Providence - Level II
Dutra, Dante - East Providence - Level III
Estrella, Christopher - East Providence - Level II
Goncalves, Samuel - East Providence - Level II
Kollbeck, Donald - East Providence - Level II
Latimer, Murray - East Providence - Level III
Lema, Corey - East Providence - Level II
Levin, Richard - East Providence - Level III
Maddock, Jordan - East Providence - Level II
Meehan, Colin - East Providence - Level II
Moitoso, Jose - East Providence - Level II
Montanaro, Donald - East Providence - Level II
Moreau, James - East Providence - Level II
Pimental, Peter - East Providence - Level II
Ponte, John - East Providence - Level II
Reakes, Zachary - East Providence - Level II
Stoker, Carl - East Providence - Level II

From the parole board website: The Level II and Level III offenders have been convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct or other statutes which requires the individual to register with law enforcement and allow for community notification. The primary purpose of community notification is to enhance public safety and protection. The offender(s) are not wanted by the police at this time unless otherwise indicated. This notification is not to increase fear in the community. It is the belief of law enforcement that an informed public is a safer public.

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Mike Rego

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.