Board denies sex offender’s request for exception to residency restriction

The City of Rhinelander’s Sex Offender Residency Review Board has denied an appeal filed by a 49-year-old Rhinelander woman who was seeking permission to move to a residence on Harvey Street.

The decision was handed down on Thursday evening, Feb. 20, after a brief quasi-judicial hearing.

The appellant explained that she wishes to live with a relative but needs the board to authorize an exception to the city’s sex offender residency requirements because she is a convicted sex offender and the residence is less than 500 feet from a school.

The woman was convicted of second-degree sexual assault, according to testimony at the hearing. Court records indicate the charge was filed in 2005 and the woman was convicted in 2007.

Addiction has played a major role in her criminal history but she is now sober and working with a recovery coach, she added.

The recovery coach was also present for the hearing and offered words in support of the woman’s efforts to maintain sobriety and be a productive member of society.

During the hearing, a statement from School District of Rhinelander superintendent Eric Burke was read into the record.

Burke advised the board that the school district would not be in favor of allowing a sex offender to live in close proximity to Rhinelander High School.

“We believe there is a concern for the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” Burke wrote.

Rhinelander police captain Josh Chiamulera also spoke during the hearing. He stressed that he was not offering a personal opinion on the woman’s appeal but was present to offer background information.

He noted the woman has been arrested 41 times since 2011 and her sexual assault conviction involved an individual between the ages of 12 and 15.

After hearing from the witnesses, the board went into closed session to deliberate. When the panel returned to open session, the three members voted unanimously to deny the request. Two members were unable to attend the meeting.

Board chair Luke Kramer read a statement explaining the board’s decision.

“We don’t feel that you’ve been sober long enough to ensure safety to the public,” he said. “We do very much appreciate the work you’re doing and the effort you’re putting in, but at this time we don’t feel that it will be the best idea (for you to live) at this location.”

City attorney Steve Sorenson advised that the woman has the right to appeal the board’s decision to Oneida County Circuit Court and may reapply to live at the Harvey Street location at some point in the future.