Two sex offenders violate Halloween law in Cole County

Cole County deputies knocked on doors Tuesday night, checking for sex offenders who were violating the “Halloween Law.”

The law states that sex offenders are not allowed to have Halloween decorations, answer the door for trick-or-treaters or have their porch light on. They are required to have a sign on their front door saying “No candy or treats at this house,” and must be inside their residence from 5- 10:30 p.m on Halloween.

While out door knocking, Cole County Sheriff’s Department deputies found two sex offenders who had violated the law by not being home, like they are suppose to. According to Lt. Kevin Woodson, those violations will be forwarded to the prosecutor for review of charges.

ABC 17 News was out with Deputy Brown has he knocked on doors, of all the five houses we were present for, Brown only had to follow up with one offender.

Woodson told us in his career, most offenders follow the law.

“From my experience, sex offenders really do go by the requirements,” Woodson said. “But occasionally you will find people that don’t do what they are suppose to.”

Not all sex offenders have to follow the Halloween law. If an offender was convicted before 2008 they do not have to comply with the law but have to follow all the other sex offender laws.