An Indianapolis sex offender has filed a federal lawsuit challenging his lifetime ban from social media sites like Facebook.
The offender, named anonymously as John Doe, was convicted of two counts of child exploitation in 2002. He was incarcerated through 2003 and released in 2004.
The suit claims John Doe is suffering socially and professionally because of the ban.
"He is a businessperson and as a businessperson he would like to participate in the business networks that allow you to get your name out and network with other people," said Ken Falk, American Civil Liberties Union. "Is that person going to be bared from communicating in the 21st Century? That seems to be a significant price to pay to violate the First Amendment."
Marion County Sheriff John Layton is charged with maintaining the sex offender registry.
"This is an extension of an incarceration. If the judge has ruled that this is a lifetime report, that this person is on here for life, this is an extension of that jail time itself in one way or another taking freedoms away from people who decided to violate and go against society," said Layton.
On Tuesday, a federal magistrate will hear a motion for John Doe to keep his identity secret while fighting the First Amendment access case. The suit also seeks class action status to represent more than 1,100 registered sex offenders in Marion County.
Convicted sex offender challenges lifetime Facebook ban
Federal lawsuit seeks access to social media for sex offenders
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indianachris at 3:25 PM February 27, 2012
Facebook access is not a right. Just because he is banned from facebook does not mean he cannot conduct his "business" on-line through other formats. Since there are people under 18 years of age on facebook, I think the ban is appropriate. Let this convicted child predator join 18+ sites.
giantkiller at 5:12 PM February 22, 2012
Alienation creates angst which will insure acting out. There are more appropriate firewalls that can be put in place that will allow sex offenders to use what has become a business necessity. Algorimithic code can restrict use by non authorized or site specific (triggered by age field) prohibitions. The majority of perps were first victims with no social rehabilitation or thoughtful guidance. To continue to apply no empathy, albiet very difficult empathy, will futher no goal of reduction of offense nor reclaim lives. It must be noted by actuarial information sex offenders are the least likely to reoffend after murder one (murder one serves life so reoffense is not an option) This is based on 100% of all fifty states required tracking of offenders not media hype or election rhetoric.
raebird at 11:45 PM February 21, 2012
I try to stick close to the Bill of Rights - and I respect the CLUs for defending it. But I'm not in agreement this time. This guy took some child's innocence and childhood away, and the victim can never have that back. Giving up the privilege if Internet access is not too high a price to pay. He can use a telephone. And i wouldn't hire him, nor do business with him.
A molested child is affected for a lifetime. I have no sympathy for the abuser getting early release of any kind.
