ST. PAUL, MN –  Senate committee chairs Jim Abeler and Warren Limmer released statements following a report that a convicted sex-offender escaped from his supervised group at River Hills Mall in Mankato last week. The 31-year-old man was described as “mentally ill and dangerous” by police.

“We are all worried about keeping our neighborhoods safe right now, and this incident does not give anyone peace of mind,” Senator Jim Abeler (R- Anoka) said. Abeler is the Chair of the Human Services Reform Committee, which oversees the state’s sex-offender treatment programs. “In the interest of public safety and the well-being of our families, I’m asking why this individual was allowed to be in a mall with children present, and apparently inadequately supervised. He is a known sex-offender and a clear risk to the community. There is no reason to put children’s lives at risk so he can spend some time at the mall.” “One escaped sex offender is one too many,” Public Safety Chair Warren Limmer (R- Maple Grove) said. “As we continue to navigate these dangerous times, this is just another example of what happens when public safety and justice for victims are not a priority. I absolutely shudder to think what could have happened had law enforcement not apprehended this individual. They deserve our thanks for the diligent work to keep us all safe.”