High number of sex offenders (Charleston, Huntington: crime, houses, schools)

[Lorann]

Hi All,
Since you've all been so helpful with all my questions on Huntington and Charleston, I thought I'd ask you all. I did a search and there seems to be a high number of registered sex offenders in the area? Is that a known problem in the area? Any information would be much appreciated. This is the only discourgaging fact I've found about the area.
I search on the WV state police database and it lists Charleston w/ 110 and Huntington w/ 88. I live in a town of about 50,000 people here in AZ and we have 14. So, to me it seems out of proportion. Thanks again for any insight into this problem.

[snorpus]

Hi Lorann,

Mark Twain said, quoting Benjamin Disraeli: There are lies, damn lies, and statistics.

Statistics on sex offenders may be skewed by several factors. Some states put more emphasis on making sure that offenders register than others, and that offenders keep their addresses current. Some states prosecute sex crimes more vigorously, and thus will have more convictions. I'm not even sure that there's a consistent national definition of a sex offender.

Also, when first released, convicts often go to halfway houses. In West Virginia, those are most likely to be located in the two largest cities, Huntington and Charleston. In Arizona, there are probably several cities larger than yours, and that might be where the numbers are higher.

I've not read, or heard, that the problem is any worse in West Virginia than elsewhere, but I could be wrong.

Regards,

Snorpus

[Lorann]

Snorpus,
Thanks for responding to my question. The stats I found were consistent on all the various websites. It's just a little alarming that AZ, w/ a population of almost 6 million and WV, with less than 2 million, have the roughly the same number of registered sex offenders. AZ- 2,866 WV- 2,475. Just thought I'd ask the members here since I've received some much information on other topics.

[jaecamp]

If you go to familywatchdog.us it shows a map where all the registered sex offenders live and even some pictures. But with thoses stats its not all like "they rape kids" offenses. Sometimes its like urinating in public, or something like that. Gross, but not necessarily bad enough to make someone not want to move there.

[tbailey1138]

Living in Huntington, this isn't something that seems to be a problem. Rarely do you ever hear about such a case in the news and if it is mentioned, it is rarely if ever of a violent nature(I can't remember any recent cases). I think snorpus was right in saying that the high number may be due to a difference in the state laws. The information that I found said that in WV, these laws do not focus only on childern but also include legislation about such crimes toward adults. I couldn't find anything specific on AZ, but their laws may focus more on children or they may split the statistics of children vs adults. May I ask which website you found your information on? According to this website http://www.klaaskids.org/pg-legmeg.htm , WV does have about 2,400 registered offenders as of 4/7/06 with a 99% compliance rate. It lists AZ as having 13,412 registered offenders as of 4/28/06 with a 94% compliance rate. Family watchdog also lists Huntington as having 78 rather than 88 offenders. One thing I noticed when looking at this subject was that I found different numbers for most of the sites I visited. But as I said earlier, living here and having a child, this isn't something that I'm overly concerned about beyond the typical parental precautions one should take. Hope this helps.
Tim

[awakenthesun22]

I've heard that in some cases sex offenders, and other criminals will go to places like WV to "hideout." They commit their crime somewhere, get convicted, do their time, then go to an area with sparse population where they're less likely to be recognized in the community. It would even make sense that if you offended in some place like Davis with a small population, to later move to a place like Huntington where you can blend in easier because of the higher population. I don't know how true it is, but I've heard that this is the case sometimes. They're still on the registry and tracked, but unless people like you are checking the registry, most people wouldn't have a clue about a persons criminal history. .

[Lorann]

Thanks so much for the responses.

Tim, I did visit various sites, familywatchdog, WV State Police website, and a few others. Every website had different stats, so it's hard to say what is accurate. On one site it lists AZ as having 2600 registered sex offenders, who knows, every site states something different?????

I just thought I'd ask the experts (you guys) on it. I feel much better knowing that it's not really a big issue.

Thanks all.

[shedav]

I have lived in WV my whole life and have 8 children from age 15 down to 10 months. In the 40 years here I have felt relatively safe. I was raised in South Charleston and hung out in Charleston as a teen (the mall had just opened). I currently work in Huntington. I do know the biggest sex offender outpatient therapy is done in charleston especially Juvenile cases. My kids play outside all the time and as a parent I worry and watch but nomore than if I was anywhere else. Many of the cases you do hear about around here when it involves a child is usually a family member and rarely a stranger. I hope this does not stop you from considering WV. The biggest problem we have here are the methadone labs because they are everywhere and not just in the cities..you could have one right beside your house and not even know it.

[murdokhyde]

I was born in Huntington,Wv... Went to college in Pittsburgh,Pa. And now I am back here in Huntington,Wv once again. (However I am moving away in the near future). But I would like to give some insider tips on the whole "Sex offender" Topic.

First off, ALL of the years I have lived in Huntington, I have not ONE time ever heard of anyone getting raped. Not ever on the news, Not ever in the newspaper. I have been at parties and such and end up talking to a drunk girl here and there that claims she has been raped.. IF, You get where I am going with this.


There seems to be (For some reason) A large number of female college students that seem to think they get raped. And I do not know the facts.. Maybe they DO. I am not disputing that. This is a sad and horrible subject.. And I am NOT making light of it in ANY way!

I am just simply saying that you MUST remember that Huntington,Wv is ABSOLUTELY and utterly RAN by Marshall University. And ALSO, Marshall is one of the top binge drinking schools in the nation.. Like No.15 on top 20. So, drinking isint OUT of hand.. Just, Pretty common. Ha Ha.

I have found in life that when young horny college people start to get drunk together strange things start to happen. HAHA. AND, You also have to remember that this area is located in the "Bible Belt". If the words gets out about a pretty young preppy girl from the church going and rich subburbs about her having sex with a few guys at a party last night.. THEN, Her parents quit paying for stuff for her. SO, It wasnt her fault. See the point now?

ALSO, I have been to Arizona MANY times actually.. I know for a fact that Arizona has one of the highest rates in unreported rape cases. This is due to rapings happening in large spanish communities and such and they are never reported. HERE, Every single time ANYTHING happens that is anywhere NEAR rape.. It certainly gets reported.. It is a different mentality ALL together.. You cant even COMPARE this area to AZ.

Everything will be fine if you have children, This is a good little area if you are financially stable. OR, Have a nice career. All in All.. Compared to states like AZ.. We virtually have NO crime.

[Lorann]

Thanks to everyone. Your responses have been helpful.