Pennsylvania Sex Offenders: Residents near Pittsburgh, PA are outraged after learning that registered sex offenders are living near local schools, day care centers and churches in their neighborhoods. After asking commissioners to enact ordinances limiting these sex offenders, the state, county and local legislators are stepping up. House Bill 164 and House Bill 926 (co-sponsored by PA Republican Matt Smith), are aimed at strengthening Megan’s Law. Bill 164 would put limitations on where sex offenders could reside, and Bill 926 would call for tracking devices to be placed on violent sex offenders, both Bills would establish stiff penalties for offenders in violation. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article points out that at least 22 state have laws that restrict residency for offenders or predators, according to a 2006 report issued by the California Research Bureau.

Death Sentence Upheld: The Florida Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Ronnie Keith Williams for the 1993 stabbing murderer of a pregnant 18-year-old girl. The Court's decision, available here, indicates that Williams had prior convictions for second degree murder (he stabbed someone to death) and the sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl. The story from the Miami Herald by Daryl Fineout points out that, eight months before the 1993 murder, Williams was released from prison early to relieve overcrowding.

Crack Still is Whack: Elizabeth Sue Perry of Palatka, Florida has reported to deputies that her crack cocaine supplier/maker is trying to kill her. Perry told police Thursday night in an emergency room that she consumes an ounce of crack daily, and her supplier who she calls an “acquaintance,” may be using embalming fluid in her portion. She’s stated to authorities, that her cocaine is “different in color, is bitter and is having side effects on her not normal with everyday crack use,” as reported in the Palatka Daily News. It was no surprise that Perry tested positive for cocaine, and has been charged with a third-degree felony for possession of cocaine.