Police Chief Bonnie Bowers told the audience at the Police Station that the meeting wasn’t to scare people, but to inform them. But, she said she wanted to alert people that a new registered sex offender would be released in Anacortes next week.
Bowers pointed out that there are 23 registered sex offenders living in Anacortes currently and that “We have incredible compliance in this community.” She said some offenders own businesses here.
The police department last week delivered notices to 530 households in Anacortes that a 50-year old Anacortes man convicted in 2001 of raping a 13-year-old family member would return to town to live with family members. This conviction for rape of a child 2nd degree and child molestation 2nd degree is the first conviction for this offender, James Pitner.
Bowers she doesn’t want neighbors to harass Pitner, but to be watchful and alert. She said there are nearly 18,000 registered sex offenders in Washington state and that fewer than 20% of them are under state supervision, as Pitner will be.
Audience members had questions, like "Would he be kept away from bus stops near his residents?" Yes, was the answer. He will need to follow guidelines by the Department of Corrections. In addition, he will be wearing a GPS tracking device for the firt 90 days of his release.
Throughout the meeting, Pitner's parents and one of his daughters quietly watched and listened.