POLK COUNTY, FL -- Our cameras were rolling Thursday night when deputies raided a Polk County camp where sex offenders were living. Today, we found out where deputies moved them -- to a mobile home park near a school bus stop.
Among the offenders is Dean Johnson. By all accounts, he seems harmless – that’s until you see
his picture on the
FDLE website.
He and the other men who lived in tents in the orange grove have been convicted of abusing children.
The new living arrangement, which will cost the offenders $20 per day, is anything but paradise.
But local parents aren’t exactly happy with the relocation.
We went to the bus stop at 7 o’clock this morning. Maria de Los Angeles wouldn’t let her child go near the school bus stop. Neighbors Peter Sneddega and Joy Gore were hiding their children too.
"They have to stand here behind me on this green box to stand in line and wait for the bus," said Gore.
Polk County has an ordinance that says the convicts must live 2,500 feet from a school bus stop.
With more than 7,000 school bus stops in Polk County, it’s nearly impossible for the sex offenders to be away from kids.
Right now they are living on Evergreen Street and Old Dixie Highway, less than 300 feet from Joy Gore's three kids.
Polk County officials say they will monitor the offenders and give them opportunities to develop an “acceptable residential plan as soon as possible.”
For residents like Joy Gore, that may not be soon enough.
