Sexual Predators Public Hearing

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., — What was suppose to be a public hearing to educate residents about dozens of sex offenders housed in their community turned to outraged as some residents walked away disappointed. Many of those who attended Monday night’s meeting tells ABC Columbia news they were under the impression officials would have some alternative options for relocating the violent sex offenders who are living in the Crafts-Farrow state hospital. While Mental Health officials say the building is fully secure with guards inside and out, it did little to calm the fears of residents who say they’re uncomfortable knowing the criminals are so close to a children’s development center, Church and hospital. State Representative Joe McEachern who held the hearing because of his own concerns about the location said at the growing rate they are in talks to build a second facility at the Broad River Road Correctional Institute, with 90 additional beds by December of this year. Still, residents who wanted answers about what they would do with current housing situation say they’re were frustrated that no plans have been put in place. One residents saying ” this isn’t only bringing down our property values where no one wants to move into the community, but this is also an issue of safety.” Mental Health Officials who were present at the meeting say none of the 44 sex offenders have ever escaped the building and they are adequately equipped to handle it if they ever did. No word yet on when or if another public hearing will be held to further discuss the matter.