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Hillsborough Co. Sheriff's Office reminds sex offenders of Halloween rules

Posted at 4:55 PM, Oct 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-28 00:20:12-04

TAMPA, Fla. — Despite many parents being unsure if their children will go trick-or-treating this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, sex offenders are still being warned of the rules they must follow on Halloween night.

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Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and deputies, in coordination with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC), went door-to-door on Tuesday to conduct compliance checks.

According to the sheriff's office, sex offenders can not hand out candy, decorate for Halloween or leave their porch light on for the holiday. Those who violate the rules can be arrested.

"Last year, our deputies conducted 424 neighborhood checks, and all but one was in compliance. That individual was arrested for having Halloween decorations outside of their home," said Sheriff Chronister. "This proactive approach is done with your child's safety first in mind."

In Hillsborough County, there are more than 2,000 registered sexual offenders and predators.

To see if there are sex offenders in your neighborhood, click here.