|
The case recently heard by the Illinois Supreme Court involves
Martin Kopf, an Illinois resident who went to prison after being
convicted of having improper relations with a 15-year-old boy in
2003. Kopf is seeking to remain living in his house, even though
there is a children's care center within 500 feet. Kopf had been
living there for a few weeks after getting the property approved
by local police.
Representing himself in court, Kopf said the process has caused
him a lot of trouble.
"Their mistakes have cost me a low ballpark of $35,000, my wife,
possibly my kids ... plus risk losing my house, causing
bankruptcy, oh and I am sleeping in my truck," Kopf told the
court. "All this to protect the public from someone who has been
rehabilitated."
Representing the state, attorney Kaitlyn Chenevert said even if
Kopf is no longer a danger, it is still against the law for him
to live that close.
"The process which Mr. Kopf seeks, a process in which he could
establish that he would not re-offend, is irrelevant to his
registration requirement and to the residency restrictions,"
Chenevert said. "Those are imposed by virtue of his conviction."
Kopf argued that he is being punished even after serving his
time in prison and registering as a sex offender.
Chenevert said the state is trying to protect children.
"The residency restriction here does not amount to punishment,"
Chenevert said. "The clear aim of the statute is to protect
children."
The Illinois Supreme Court took the case under advisement.
|
|
