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Federal Judge Strikes Down Pennsylvania County Residency Restriction

By Corey Rayburnyung

A federal judge has struck down a Pittsburgh-area sex offender residency restriction. From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:An Allegheny County ordinance limiting where sex offenders can live was politically popular, but a federal judge on Friday ruled it was illegal.U.S. District Judge Gary L. Lancaster ruled in a summary judgment that the ordinance undermined state law, a victory for the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit last year on behalf of six sex offenders.Judge Lancaster wrote in an opinion that banning convicted sex offenders registered with state police under Megan's Law from living within 2,500 feet of a child care facility, recreational facility, community center, public park or school eliminated most of the county.Judge Lancaster wrote that the ordinance would force registered sex offenders to live only in outlying suburban areas, which would take them away from family support networks and job opportunities...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sex Crimes on March 24, 2009 (boomark / email).