In 1997, When I was 15 years old, I was raped by a man who was 23. [Redacted] will forever be my reason to protect minor children. What I didn't know at the time, and what so many others around him didn’t realize, was that he had already been charged with four counts of similar crimes with 2 minor girls just months before he met me. He got both of them pregnant. He was told to stay away from all minors but even that didn't stop him when he met me. He was investigated about me later on thru the years. He was convicted of the 4 counts of Child Rape 3 degree with the 2 minors in 1997 and served 4 months of a 8 year prison term but would would be on probation for many years after. Then in 2000, he violated his probation, and was reprimanded to prison to serve his 8 year sentence to which at this time, I was informed out about his crimes in its full entirety. He never disclosed anything to me before our marriage in 1999 and in 2000, I divorced him. He served his time, and his probation has ended, but despite his horrifying record, he is now able to manage a soccer team in Aberdeen Wa called Grays Harbor Gulls FC and is the head coach alongside the control of photographs of all the minors on the teams. We have contacted the Grays Harbor Gulls as we were confused as to how he can be around minors in City funded soccer league and in charge of photos due to his crime from a background check. Never received a email back. He left that soccer club as of recently but I have now been informed he is making a new soccer club of his own with minor girls and want to know who would approve this as i know a license would have to be issued. What gets us all is how, even though these offenders are done with their sentence and probation, how are these offenders still allowed to be around minors while in a workforce with a sex offense charge?? And why is the degree of the rape in question to what determines that?  It's a invalidation to us victims. 

This loophole in the law is beyond disturbing and puts countless children at risk every day. The legal system has gaps that allow people who have been convicted of child rape to re-enter environments where they can be in the presence of minors. No child or their parents should ever have to worry about a predator lurking within a trusted authority figure at school, on a sports team, or in any event designed to nurture and protect our children.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than half of all convicted sex offenders are re-arrested for a similar crime within three years of being released. This statistic provides a chilling reality: we must take preventative measures to shield our children from those who have previously demonstrated predatory behavior.

The solution is straightforward and urgently necessary. We must implement stringent regulations that prohibit anyone convicted of child rape, regardless of the degree of their crime, from obtaining any employment or voluntary position where they would be in the presence of minors. This protective measure must include thorough background checks and strict enforcement to ensure safety and peace of mind for all families.

By demanding these changes, we can hold our society to a higher standard of accountability and protection. Children deserve safe spaces to learn and grow without fear of encountering individuals with a history of harming minors.

Sign this petition to ensure that no child becomes a victim due to legal oversights. Demand that our lawmakers take immediate action to protect our most vulnerable citizens.