Attention Fond du Lac, WI. Teen Sex Offender, Jacob Schwendimann, Just Moved In. High Risk to Re-offend!

Police say teen sex offender at risk of re-offending

The Reporter Staff • January 22, 2009

Fond du Lac police were going door to door Wednesday alerting residents in a South Hickory Street neighborhood about a sex offender in their midst.

Jacob Schwendimann, 18, is living at 31½ S. Hickory St., according to a sex offender notification release from the Fond du Lac Police Department.

Capt. Kevin Lemke said the department decided on public notification because it believes Schwendimann is at risk of re-offending. Schwendimann was convicted of three counts of second-degree sexual assault of a child and one count of exposing himself to a child, all in Washington County.

The incidents began when Schwendimann was 13 years old and he was charged as a juvenile in each case. He served time in a juvenile facility.

Lemke said three of the charges — the second-degree sexual assault charges — took place while Schwendimann was in custody on the other charge.

"That's why we think he may re-offend," Lemke said.

Because Schwendimann was charged as a juvenile, his mandatory release date was his 18th birthday, which occurred on Oct. 22, 2008, Lemke said.

The teen is being released without supervision, meaning he does not fall under probation rules and he is able to live wherever he wants, Lemke said.

Schwendimann must comply with mandatory reporting and register and comply with the state sex offender registry through 2023.

"We have no control over him," Lemke said.

The state Department of Corrections confirmed that Schwendimann may live in Fond du Lac.

In addition to door-to-door visits Wednesday in the immediate area of Schwendimann's new residence, police distributed pamphlets and used an automated phone system message to alert residents in a wider area.

Schools and media also received notification.

Wisconsin law allows local law enforcement to inform the public of a juvenile or adult sex offender's release when, at the discretion of the agency, the release of the information "will enhance public safety and protection," according to the Police Department release on Schwendimann.

Lemke emphasized Schwendimann is not wanted by police.

The notification is not meant to increase fear, but to inform and protect the public.

Residents who threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders will not be tolerated, said Chief Tony Barthuly.

Such abuse could potentially end law enforcement's ability to do community notification.

"We believe the only person who wins if community notification ends is the sex offender, since sex offenders derive their power through secrecy," Barthuly said.

FDLReporter Online

Lock up your children, make them aware of this guy. He is allowed to live ANYWHERE and no restrictions!

High risk to re-offend means just that. I also recommend clicking on the FDLReporter link and reading the comments there.

For more Predator In Area Alerts visit our main forum Here.