DERRY, N.H. (AP) – A man who moved to New Hampshire after serving time for killing and molesting a young girl has moved back to Connecticut.
Derry residents were outraged to learn last week that Douglas Simmons, 47, had moved into an apartment near the Derry Montessori School. He served 22 years in prison and five years on probation for killing and molesting 6-year-old Michelle Spencer in Norwich, Conn., in 1981.
Some parents were surprised to learn that there were no laws precluding Simmons from living so close to a school.
“I think that New Hampshire’s very inviting to these kinds of individuals,” said Julie Hesketh, whose has two children who attend the school.
Other parents spoke of cooperating with each other to make the community as safe as possible. Just because Simmons is gone, they said, doesn’t mean they should let their guard down.
“I think that’s also like a false safety net we feel now,” said parent Angela Gagne.
Town councilors are working on a proposed ordinance that would regulate where sex offenders can live. Five communities already have such ordinances – Boscawen, Dover, Franklin, Northfield and Tilton.
Councilor Kevin Coyle said he hopes lawmakers adopt a statewide law so violators can face stiffer penalties. Sex offenders who violate local ordinances face only fines, he said.
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Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http://www.unionleader.com
AP-ES-02-03-08 1254EST
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