RPD issues sex offender release notification

The Rhinelander Police Department has announced that convicted sex offender Matthew A. Walker, 32, will be released to Community Supervision, as administered by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, on Sept. 3.

Walker is not wanted by the police at this time, the department stressed in its press release. 

Walker is described as being 5’11” and weighing approximately 330 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. His residence will be 17 W. Prospect Street in the City of Rhinelander, the release states. 

Walker was convicted of causing a child to view or listen to sexual activity and possession of child pornography in 2022. His target victims were minor males and females who he met through online social media platforms, according to the release.

Walker will be monitored by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Division and local law enforcement. He will be subject to the conditions of the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry and placed on lifetime GPS monitoring. 

If a citizen sees Walker engaging in concerning behavior including unapproved contact with a minor or activity on social media platforms, they are encouraged to contact local law enforcement. 

Please contact the Rhinelander Police Department (715)365-5300 or the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at (715)361-5100. 

The release notes that the notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is the department’s belief that an informed public is a safer public. Sex offenders have always lived in our communities; but it was not until the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry and Community Notification Law was enacted that law enforcement was able to share this information with the community, the release states.