Thread by @MiamiHerald

Mark Sullivan found his 94-year-old roommate, Aquila “Bud” Albertson, grasping onto their refrigerator in pain. Albertson needed help. But they knew he wasn’t going to get the care he needed. Albertson died. Both men are registered sex offenders. (THREAD) hrld.us/2L1QPON

People on Florida’s list of 73,000 registered offenders who are 65 and older are increasing, according to state data. Currently, Florida’s registry has about 10,200 elderly offenders.

The problem is sparking a national crisis: How and where do we allow the most-reviled class of citizens to survive their silver years after they have served their prison terms, while striving to protect children?

Sex offenders remain on the registry for life, meaning a young offender will continue to face the same restrictions in his or her senior years.

In Florida, counties and cities have different rules limiting where offenders can live. Miami-Dade and Broward counties are considered among the most restrictive. Both have a 2,500-foot residency restriction, which is less than half a mile.

Activist Gail Colleta has asked lawmakers to consider lifting residency restrictions if an offender is a certain age or has ailments.

“This is a humanity issue. … We’re more concerned about stray animals than we are about people with issues, that need to have medication.”

But for others, the risk is too high.

“Sex crimes are sex crimes,” said Ron Book, who lobbied for the restrictions after his daughter, state Sen. Lauren Book, was assaulted. “Doesn’t matter if they’re 18 or 98.”

Read the story: hrld.us/2L1QPON