Arkansaw (WQOW) - Wednesday, people learn more about a man who has a long history of sexual assaults a man who will be released to live in their community.
Kerry Abbott is considered to be a sexually violent person. He has admitted to nine sexual assaults or attempted assaults in Pepin and Dunn Counties, usually while armed.
He's been in custody and receiving treatment since 1985, when he was found not-guilty by reason of insanity. But in January a judge found Abbott meets the criteria to be released under supervision.
He will be released into the Arkansaw area in the next couple of weeks.
For the first year Kerry Abbott will essentially be under house arrest. The supervision includes electronic and GPS monitoring, and he must be escorted every time he leaves his home. An escort would even be required if he wanted to be out on the lawn or pick up his mail.
Wednesday, more than 200 concerned citizens gathered at Arkansaw Elementary for what's called a notification meeting. There were representatives from the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry, Community Corrections, the Department of Health and the Pepin County Sheriff's Department. Many of the questions revolved around self defense. Many are worried that all of the safety measures just aren't enough.
Pepin County Resident, Curt Chilson, says, "I'm concerned about him because he is moving right next door to me. We're in line sight of each other. I don't feel comfortable; I don't feel comfortable for my neighbors being around him. And I feel he is still a threat to the community."
"I think it is important for the public to know, that we didn't bring Kerry here, but, as long as he's here... We're going to do all we can to keep the community safe," says Sheriff John Andrews, from the Pepin County Sheriff's Department.
The sheriff also told me their department will patrol the neighborhood more to help ensure neighborhood safety. Some community members News 18 spoke with say they are also worried about their property values.
One family was going to build a house in the same neighborhood and say they will no longer do that because Abbott is moving in.
Kerry Abbott will be moving in along County Highway 'D', near Arkansaw.
