Although he is not a suspect in any crime, a Boise man's description and a sketch of him have been posted in city parks as a possible threat to children.
Police say they have a feeling the man could be a danger to kids. American Civil Liberties Union attorneys are worried by the way authorities are handling the matter."My gut feeling is this guy is either committing a crime or at least has the urge to commit a crime," said Ada County Sheriff's Capt. Roy Holloway. "We aren't prepared to charge the guy with any crime. We know this is a subject we have to be real careful with."
Police will not identify the man by name but said he has been seen frequenting parks, observing children and occasionally following young boys into public rest rooms. They have posted fliers in Boise, Garden City and Meridian, describing him and his vehicle.
ACLU director for Idaho Jack Van Valkenburgh said he also is concerned about child molestation but is uneasy with the way the case is being conducted.
"They're pointing a finger in a very reckless manner," he said. "With a broad brush, they're placing hundreds or even thousands of people under suspicion. . . . We've got to be sensitive about protecting everybody's rights."
Holloway said the man was convicted in Washington state for child molestation and served a 10-year prison term.
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Flier raises ire of Boise ACLU
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