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[KcMizzou]

'Sex Offender' Sign On Wrong House

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Officials in Benton County say a woman hung a sign on a neighbor's door warning people that the man who lives in the Bella Vista home is a sex offender. Sheriff's deputies say she had the wrong house. The sign said "Don't play here. Child molester lives here."

Carolyn Hansen of Bella Vista told officials she just wanted to protect her grandchildren.

Officials say Hansen got second-hand information that included an incorrect address about a sex offender who moved to the neighborhood. Not only did Hansen hang signs at the wrong house, but she also included the incorrect address in fliers she distributed at a park.

Deputies caught her and told her she was using bad information. Officials say Hansen apologized to the man she wrongly accused.

Deputies say sex offender information is used to protect children but the information cannot be used as a method of harassment.

The man whose house Hansen targeted declined to pursue charges.

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=23761