The Washington County Sheriff's Office has made public a notification regarding the release of a convicted sex offender, Ryan G. Whitehead, who is scheduled to be released from prison next Tuesday. According to their official social media post, Whitehead, who was convicted in 2022 of two counts of Possession of Child Pornography, will be residing at 4619 Grouse Circle in the Village of Richfield upon his release.
As stated in the social media post by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, "This sex offender has served the prison sentence imposed on him by the courts. He is NOT wanted by law enforcement." The office clarified that their intent is not to foster fear but to maintain a state of informed public for enhanced safety. Whitehead will be on probation until October 10, 2030 and is to be closely monitored by the WI-DOC Division of Community Corrections, with numerous rules and restrictions to strictly follow.
The Sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of such notifications under WI Statute 301.46(2m), which permits law enforcement agencies to apprise the public of a sex offender's release if it is deemed that such information will support public safety and awareness. This legislative provision underscores a mechanism for authorities to engender an environment where community members are equipped with knowledge that can potentially protect them and their families.
The notification also highlighted that "Sex offenders have always lived in our communities; but it was not until the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Law was enacted that law enforcement was able to share this information with the community."
