Residents Furious About Sex Offender Moving Into Neighborhood

A sex offender moved into an Okmulgee County neighborhood, now residents are outraged.  The man was released from prison in November, says he's rehabilitated and living in the county legally.  The News On 6's Chris Wright reports most people would not be happy to learn that a sex offender is living across the street, but some in Okmulgee County have taken steps to make it very clear that this offender is not welcome.

There is a sign that states a sex offender does live there.  The News On 6 agreed not to identify him, but he was convicted for hiring underage prostitutes, and did spend more than a decade in prison.  That's where Pastor Pearl Qualls met him.  She agreed to allow him to live next door to her when he was released and vouches for his character.

"All I'm asking is the neighborhood just give this man a chance, give him a chance.  Quit throwing stones at him," said Pastor Qualls.

Pearl says the sign will only make the offender more of an outcast and even possibly put him at risk.

"I fear for my life and his too.  If the sign's not taken down, like I said, I think it's a danger to us," said Pastor Qualls.

Neighbors say the sign is simply a public service message.

It is a small, rural, spread out community here in Okmulgee County, but residents still wanted to make sure everyone knew a sex offender was living nearby and they say the sign is the best way to do that.

Brenda Cooksey does not own the property on which the sign sits and did not put it up, but like many in the neighborhoods, she supports it.

"We don't like it, we want him out of here.  There's too many kids," said Cooksey.

Brenda says she hopes the sign stays put until the man across the street gets the message.

"We gotta protect our self, and this what it takes, this is what we'll do.  We won't quit, we're not going to put up with it," said Cooksey.

The sex offender told The News On 6 that residential restrictions in Oklahoma City and Tulsa forced him to live in a rural area like Okmulgee County.  He says he won't relapse and people have nothing to worry about, but his neighbors say they don't care, and they want him to live somewhere else.