A Bountiful sex offender has been ordered to put a sign in front of his house to announce his crime to the community as part of his probation.
The order by 2nd District Judge Jon M. Memmott follows an increasing trend among Utah judges to be more innovative in their sentencing practices. At least two other Utah judges, both in southern Utah, have issued similar orders.Retired real estate agent Orlo Lavell Shiner, 73, confessed to attempting to fondle a 10-year-old Layton girl. Memmott decided Shiner's health and age didn't warrant a prison term, so instead he ordered the man to post a sign in front of his home identifying him as a sex offender and warning children to stay away.
Shiner's son asked Memmott to reconsider the sign requirement Thursday. He believes the sign could hurt his family and business.
Police and prosecutors, however, see it as an apt punishment.
Deputy Davis County Attorney Steve Major said Memmott's order focuses the issue of balancing a community's right to know with a defendant's right to privacy and rehabilitation. Shiner portrayed himself as a grandfather figure and lured children to his home with soda and candy.