LIBRARY TO HOST PANEL ABOUT COUNTY’S RESPONSE TO SEX CRIMES

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Advocacy Center and the Tompkins County Public Library have partnered to present, “Tompkins County’s Response to Sex Offenders: A Community Panel,” Tuesday, April 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Intended to provide information about the innovative approaches local agencies are using to combat sexual crimes and protect victims, the panel will feature a diverse group of community leaders engaged in managing sex offenders and offering community and victim support. Panelists are:

• Pat Buechel - Director, Tompkins County Probation Department
• Susan Currie - Director, Tompkins County Public Library
• Jeff Huddle - Investigator, Ithaca Police Department
• Ken Lansing - Tompkins County Sheriff 
• Louise Miller - Director of Programming, Advocacy Center
• Linda Riley - Forensic Supervisor, Tompkins County Mental Health Clinic
• John Rowley - Tompkins County Judge
• Gwen Wilkinson - Tompkins County District Attorney

This program will begin with a screening of the newly-released DVD, “Child Sexual Predators: The Familiar Stranger.” Produced by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, the video provides important information about how sex offenders gain the trust of children and adults. It also includes footage of four paroled child molesters who provide candid insight into their crimes and how parents can protect their children.

For more information about this program or other events being held in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, contact Heather Campbell, education director for the Advocacy Center at hcampbell@theadvocacycenter.org.