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Last modified: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 9:59 AM CDT
High risk sex offender troubles Galchutt citizens
by Erin C. Hevern • Daily News
A meeting held by the Richland County Sheriff's Office in Abercrombie Monday drew nearly 100 percent of the city of Galchutt's residents. The reason — the relocation of high risk sex offender, Russell Hable, to their community.
The meeting was informational in nature, where residents were shown a Powerpoint presentation on general sex offender data, statistics in the state of North Dakota and what's required of a sex offender when registering.
"We wanted to make sure they know this is serious and we keep track of these people," said Richland County Investigator Josh Beto. "It brought together the whole town so they're on the same page."
In spite of some reassuring information from the sheriff's office, residents remained concerned about Hable's move from Colfax to Galchutt. Aimee Flaa, a mother of three who lives in town, considers herself one of them.
"It's disrupting our lives," she said.
Flaa and her husband, Mike, had made plans to build on a lot they own next door to Hable's residence. Due to his relocation, Flaa said her family is now attempting to find somewhere else to build a home.
"I just feel that it is so unfair that basically, it has to change our lives," she said.
Larry Berg, also of Galchutt, said Hable's move has stirred up an otherwise quiet town.
"You gotta give him a little bit of the benefit of the doubt," Berg said. "Still, I can't see why a person like that would not want to be living on a farm, away from anyone."
The sheriff's office reviews records on county sex offenders at least every three months, confirming that each is complying with the law by reporting any changes, such as their place of residence or employment. To date, there are 22 sex offenders and offenders against children registered in Richland County. Thirteen sex offenders live in the county and six work in the county but live elsewhere. Two offenders against children live in the county while one currently has a warrant out for his arrest.
What the public often misunderstands, Beto said, is that North Dakota law doesn't regulate where low, moderate or high risk sex offenders can live.
"Regardless of their risk level there's nothing that says they can't live within so many miles of a school," Beto said. But a sex offender's registration often prohibits them from entering school property.
Discussion also centered on community members using one another as a resource in order to stay informed and stay safe. Residents were also encouraged to contact the sheriff's office to report suspicious activity.
Hable has two criminal convictions regarding his sex offender status, both of which can be viewed in detail at www.ndsexoffender.gov. Hable is required to register with law enforcement associated with his jurisdiction of employment and residence.
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