BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
19th Judicial District Attorney CJ Robinson has serious issues with a Jefferson County sex offender being placed in Magnolia Wood, a residential center on Pratt Street across from Prattville Kindergarten.
Robinson said the sex offender is Tyrone Bennett, 54, who pleaded guilty in Jefferson County to multiple sexual offenses, and SORNA violations. Charges include violent acts against a girl under the age of 12.
“I guess you could say I am picking a fight, but this is a very serious issue to me,” Robinson said.
Robinson argues that that Bennett has multiple sexual crimes on his record and placing him in the residential facility would be a direct violation of SORNA (Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.) Under the act, it states where and how close sex offenders may reside to areas such as schools, daycares, etc.
Robinson also voiced concerns about the security at Magnolia Wood, which is operated by Carastar, formerly known as the Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority.
Robinson has filed an emergency order to keep Bennett from being moved to the facility, which is also in close proximity to a dance studio, daycares and Pratt Park. (See map)
A ruling on this could come as early as today by Circuit Judge Bill Lewis, Robinson said. The hope, Robinson said, is to get a temporary restraining order until a hearing next week on a permanent injunction.
Robinson said he wants to continue this fight, and ensure that no registered sex offender is ever placed in Magnolia Wood facility, as it would be a clear danger to the surrounding community.
The order to place Bennet in Prattville was made by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Kandice Pickett.
“We have some serious concerns about the security at this facility, and we already have reports of other residents walking off from the property,” Robinson said. He is working with the Prattville Police Department to get more information about previous incidents.
Robinson said this is a fight he is glad to take part in, if it will protect the citizens who live around the mental health facility on Pratt Street.
Robinson said he will release more information perhaps later today on this issue.
Would you be comfortable knowing a registered sex offender is housed in a residential mental health facility so close to a school and other areas where children are present?
