Attorney General Madigan Reminds Families to Check Sex Offender Registry to Plan Safe Trick-Or-Treat Routes
CHICAGO, IL— As Halloween approaches, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan reminded parents to check the state’s sex offender registry and with their local law enforcement agency before determining trick-or-treat routes for their children.
“It’s horrifying how many known sex offenders there are; they live in every community of Illinois. So I encourage parents, grandparents and caregivers to check the Illinois online sex offender registry before going out with their little ghosts and goblins this Halloween to ensure fun and safe trick or treating,” Madigan said.
Madigan noted that Illinois law prohibits all sex offenders who committed a crime against a child from distributing candy or others items to children on Halloween. Sex offenders on parole, mandatory supervised release and probation may have other conditions imposed upon them to protect the public. They may be prohibited from having their porch lights on and from leaving their homes, except for verified work purposes.
As of October 2016, there were more than 29,300 registered sex offenders listed on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, and more than 23,600 of those committed a crime against a child. The registry is administered by the Illinois State Police.
