"99% certain" sex offender not to be allowed to move to SJI

Tuesday, 15 March 2011 00:00

Two Department of Corrections staff members Greg Freeman and Rob Dieckman are recommending denial of David Stewart's request to reside in San Juan Island. The level III sex offender had asked for an exception to the law requiring sex offenders to be placed in the county where the original offense occurred for their community supervision period. It is their understanding, the recomendation will be followed. "It is 99% certain," said Freeman.

Dieckman, who supervises Stewart, received more than 800 emails providing information from islanders opposing Stewart residing in the county. Stewart, who has served his entire 90-month sentence, wanted to move in with his wife of 35 years.

Prosecutor Randy Gaylord, Deputy Eric Gardiner, Dieckman and Freeman made a point of saying, once Stewart completes his 24 months of community placement, he will be free to reside anywhere he wants. During the two years of community supervision, he must abide by a list of conditions. As a Level III sex offender he will need to register with the sheriff's office but will not need approval of his place of residence.

Community meetings March 15, 2011 about Level 3 sex offender

posted 03/04/2011
Two community meetings will be held on Tuesday, March 15 on San Juan Island to provide information and answer questions about a Level 3 Sex Offender moving to the island at the end of March, 2011.

David Stewart was convicted in 2003 in Snohomish County of first-degree rape of a child. Upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the state Department of Corrections for 24 months. Rob Dieckman, from the DOC Oak Harbor office of the DOC will be Stewart's supervisor. He can be reached at 360.675.9031.

The two meetings, 4 p.m. at Roche Harbor Pavilion and 6 p.m. at the Mullis Center on March 15, will be attended by personnel from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, the county Prosecutor's Office and the DOC.

Information about sex offenders can be accessed on Offender Watch. The Sheriff's web page contains general information about sex offenders and a way to sign up for notification when an offender is released.