Senator Stavisky Provides Update on Registered Sex Offenders in Pan Am Shelter

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

June 28, 2016

Contact: Tess McRae – Senator Stavisky’s office (718) 445-0004

Senator Stavisky Provides Update On Registered Sex Offenders in Pan Am Shelter

Elmhurst, NY—Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) issued the following statement as an update to the two sex offenders reported to be living at the Pan Am Family Shelter:

“I have been in communication with the Human Resources Administration since I first learned that two sex offenders were residing in the Pan Am Shelter. At my request, HRA  attended a Community Advisory Board Meeting at the shelter with representatives from Samaritan Village, Department of Homeless Services, Department of Education, the Queens Borough President’s Office, Councilman Daniel Dromm’s office, local residents and myself. I am pleased to say a few of my many questions were answered, though I will continue pressing for as much information as possible.

 According to HRA, there are currently no registered sex offenders living at the shelter, which is a relief. However, due to privacy laws, we have no way of knowing if these individuals had ever lived at the Pan Am and, if so, for how long.

Regardless of their parole or probation status, I cannot stress enough how inappropriate it is to place a convicted sex offender in a family shelter with nearly 300 children. The children’s safety, the safety of the surrounding community and the safety of the other shelter residents are a priority. Because there is not law in place to prevent two level three sex offenders – one convicted of raping three children – than we must put one in place. That is why, since 2009, I have been a co-sponsor of legislation that would bar any level two or three sex offenders from living in a family shelter. The Senate has passed the bill five times, including this year, but unfortunately the Assembly has failed to act.

I will continue to support this legislation so that all families can live in a safe and secure environment and I hope the Assembly will take action on this next year. “

Full description of Senate bill S. 851 available here:

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2015/S851

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