Another Unfortunate Ending to an Unfortunate Situation
The Pensacola News Journal reports that April Watson has resigned from her position with the Town of Jay, ending a seven-year career with the town that once had her on track to become its next town manager.
It’s an unfortunate ending to an unfortunate situation. Whatever your thoughts about April’s past, there’s no denying that this is another story to add to the growing pile of people who work hard, contribute to their communities, and try to move forward with their lives, only to find the registry in the way of their future.
People should be accountable for their actions. But what does rehabilitation actually mean if someone can never move beyond their past? At what point do we allow a person’s present conduct and contributions to count for something?
It was nice of the Pensacola News Journal to mention Florida Action Committee in its coverage. We appreciate the opportunity to bring attention to the human consequences of a system that can make moving forward extraordinarily difficult.
April’s story is a reminder that it’s one thing to tell people to rebuild their lives; it’s another to let them do it. And April, if you read this, we welcome you to join FAC and become active! We can use your skills and you are certainly welcome here.
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It has been 33 years since my only arrest here in Lee County Florida and a denied from Lee County judge I am now 55
I can’t wait till I am to old to walk or live with family to help take care of me since I will be denied any assisted living facility in our lovely sunshine state.
I believe a letter writing campaign is in order to this city department. Best way to help them become more educated about a persons rehabilitation and the injustice of their decision due to a small group that complained.
FAC folks, correct me please if I am wrong…but even if you complete 25 loooong years without any issue whatsoever, not every offender would qualify to be removed from the registry even if you were never re-arrested.
There are many “qualifying offenses” that will undoubtedly prevents an offender to be removed from the registry according to the prevailing statutes
So the question is…who, within the S.O. community would actually qualify to be removed from the registry assuming no arrest and no issues within those 25 years?
You are correct.
The DISQUALIFYING offenses are:
a. For a violation of s. 787.01 or s. 787.02;
b. For a violation of s. 794.011, excluding s. 794.011(10);
c. For a violation of s. 800.04(4)(a)2. where the court finds the offense involved a victim under 12 years of age or sexual activity by the use of force or coercion;
d. For a violation of s. 800.04(5)(b);
e. For a violation of s. 800.04(5)(c)2. where the court finds the offense involved the use of force or coercion and unclothed genitals or genital area;
f. For a violation of s. 825.1025(2)(a);
g. For any attempt or conspiracy to commit any such offense;
h. For a violation of similar law of another jurisdiction; or
i. For a violation of a similar offense committed in this state which has been redesignated from a former statute number to one of those listed in this subparagraph.