Sex offender facility sparks outrage

By Mary Joseph, NEWS 9

Dozens of concerned Shawnee residents spoke out Monday night about a new rehabilitation facility that would house sex offenders. Many of the community members were outraged at the location of the facility and prefer it be built in another part of town.

According to the Shawnee City Manager, a building housing sex offenders must be at least 300 feet away from a school. The rehabilitation center would be in compliance with the law, but to neighbors, that's not good enough.

The concerned members lobbied and gathered signatures for a petition against the facility. They did get good news that the owner would look elsewhere in planning the facility.

The owner did not go to the meeting, but did say that she received threatening phone calls. She said she treats 450 sex offenders in 23 counties across Oklahoma, and her goal is to keep the community safe.