Homeless Sex Offenders

I knew that paroled sex offenders are not allowed to live within 2,000 feet of a park or school under Jessica’s Law.  I also knew that made finding housing in the city and county of San Francisco difficult for them.  But, I didn’t know it had come to this.  All 45 convicted sex offenders who were paroled to San Francisco after Jessica’s Law took effect are living on the streets.  They’re forced to be homeless, by law, and to remain that way for their entire parole – in most cases, three years. 

 

Salon Beating: the Continuing Impact

Melissa Seals' cuts and bruises have healed in the eight months since the beating she suffered at her salon, but the emotional and financial toll continues.  Her psychologist diagnosed Seals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and she's lost 75% of her salon customers -- she believes they're staying away for fear of more violence.  Last May, five woman came in, one with a camera.  Cavenia Bryant beat Seals on and off for five minutes; Jaymillya Edgerton blocked the door so Seals couldn't leave and kicked her in the head several times.  Seals wanted you to see this picture taken shortly after the attack.  In the video posted on the internet, it appeared Bryant had pulled out a hair weave, but the picture below shows Bryant apparently pulled out a lot of Seals' own hair.

 
Melissa Seals May 2009

Bryant goes on trial in April on misdemeanor battery and false imprisonment charges.  ABC 7 Legal Analyst and former San Mateo Prosecutor Dean Johnson says he would have filed felony charges.  The only other person charged at this point is Jaymillya Edgerton.  A warrant is out for her arrest.  Seals says she has spotted Edgerton near her salon several times, but police have not picked her up.

Dinius Fires Back

Attorney Larry Masson, with assistance from Bismarck Dinius’ criminal defense attorney and the Innocence Project, filed this claim with the Lake County Board of Supervisors yesterday for wrongful prosecution.  A jury acquitted Dinius last August of manslaughter in the death of Lynn Thornton.  She died after a powerboat driven by the number two official in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Russell Perdock, slammed into the sailboat. 

 

Dinius Acquitted August 20, 2009