Court: Predator program not just for latest arrest

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The state’s highest court says someone can be committed to South Carolina’s sexually violent predator program even if their most recent arrest wasn’t for something classified as a sexually violent crime.

The state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that a man who had previously been deemed safe to be released was appropriately committed to the program later after an indecent exposure arrest.

Bobbie Manigo served more than two decades for assault and attempted sex offenses. Before his 2004 release, officials said they didn’t have enough evidence he had a sexual disorder and would likely re-offend.

The next year, Manigo was arrested for indecent exposure and sentenced to nine months. He was evaluated again, and the same officials civilly committed Manigo, finding he was dangerous and would likely commit sexually violent acts.

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Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP