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Level III sex offender returning to Rush CityHoward Lawrence Wanna, 26, a Level III sex offender, will be moving back to Rush City, residing on the 700 block of 10th Street as of June 13. The six-foot, 170 pound man has a history of engaging in sexual conduct with juvenile females (two 14-year-olds) while they were babysitting. He was known to his victims. Wanna is not wanted by the police and has served his sentence. Neither the Chisago County Sheriffís office, the supervising release agent, nor the Minnesota Department of Corrections can tell him where he can or cannot live, or where he works or goes to school. Information about his return to the community, including his description and photo, has been disseminated throughout Rush City. As noted in the bulletin, while the intent of the notification is not to increase fear, law enforcement believes an informed public is a safe public. According to DOC Predatory Offender information, Level III offenders have been determined to be at the highest risk for re-offense out of all of the three risk levels. Convicted sex offenders have always been released to live in our communities, but it was not until passage of the Registration Act that law enforcement had the ability know the residence or track their moves after their initial release. In the fact sheet provided to the community, it is noted that this information is not to be used to threaten, harass or intimidate registered offenders. In fact, it may be a crime to do so. It also notes that the only one who wins if community notification is abused and results in an end to this notification, is the offender, since many of the offenders ìderive their power from the opportunity that secrecy provides them.î More information on Level III sex offenders can be found at www.doc.state.mn.us. Questions about the notification should be addressed to Investigator Tracy Armistead, Chisago County Sheriffís Department, (651) 213-7115. ©ECM Post Review |