Sheriff Brad White has confirmed a convicted sex offender is living in the woods behind or near the former Lamar Pre-Release Center that has been converted by the state to a day reporting center for probationers. Mark Alan Jones, 53, has to report to the center twice a day. In that he is homeless, he is living in the woods near the center. ”That’s what they do. They have to report so they live under the nearest bridge or whatever. There are no bridges out there so he is living in the woods. It’s not a crime to be homeless so our hands are tied,” noted sheriff White who was not at all pleased with the situation. Authorities at the center told neighbors Jones is living in a tent or lean-to in the woods. Jones was convicted in Georgia on Feb. 29, 2000 of aggravated child molestation. He was recently released from prison. ”That’s my problem. If the state is going to release him, they should make sure he has a place to go,” the sheriff said. Deputies are keeping a close eye on Jones, White said.
Be First to Comment