Robert Joe Childs, a level 3 sex offender, has moved into Ballard, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office.
According to his offender details on the King County Sheriff Office site, Childs has the following records: two counts of rape in the third degree, and child molestation in the third degree. Childs is living in the 5300 block of 28th Ave NW. He is 36 years old, 5’9″, and 200 lbs. He has a tattoo on his right shoulder and left arm.
An email was sent out by the King County Sheriff’s Office alerting neighbors of his move into the neighborhood. (Register for alerts here.)
From Seattle Police Department North Precinct’s Crime Prevention Coordinator:
Level 3 sex offenders pose the highest risk to re-offend. It is normal to feel upset, angry and worried about a registered sex offender living in your community. The Community Notification Act of 1990 requires sex offenders to register in the community where they live. The law also allows local law enforcement to make the public aware about Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. Since this offender has completed his sentence, he is free to live where he wishes. Experts believe sex offenders are less likely to re-offend if they live and work in an environment free of harassment. Any actions taken against the listed sex offender could result in arrest and prosecution as it is against the law to use this information in any way to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders. The SPD Sex offender detectives will check on these offenders every 3 months to verify our information.
The single most effective means of protecting your child is communication with your child. They have to feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with you. Teach your children that they should not be asked to touch anyone in the bathing suit areas of their body or allow anyone to touch them in those areas. Teach them types of situations to avoid. It is not good enough to tell a child to avoid strangers. Please remember that children are most often molested by someone they or their parents know.