Feb 5, 2008 10:01 am US/Eastern
Child Rape May Lead To Sex Offender Ban In Library
New Bedford Mayor Wants Tough New Security
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang wants to ban convicted sex offenders from public libraries and increase security after a 6-year-old boy was sexually assaulted in a library by a registered sex offender.
Lang asked a special meeting of Board of Library trustees Monday to install security cameras and additional video monitors at all library branches in the city. He also says all patrons should be required to show a picture ID and valid library card before entering the library.
The mayor is seeking an ordinance that would make libraries, playgrounds and other public places off-limits to high-risk sex offenders.
Corey Saunders is charged with raping the young victim in a secluded area of the library last week, while the boy's mother worked on a computer nearby. Saunders is a registered Level 3 sex offender - the category reserved for those considered most dangerous.
Saunders was convicted of indecent assault and battery on a child in 2001 and was released about a year ago by a judge over the objections of prosecutors and three psychiatrists.
He is now being held without bail on the new charges.
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