Sometime in the near future, a Farmington man is going to be out of SORTS……and that’s causing some consternation in the city.
The Department of Mental Health will release someone from its Sexual Offender Rehabilitation Treatment Services program–SORTS. 53-year old James Lewis, who has been a client in the program for 12 years after doing four years in prison for the attempted rape of a child will be that person.
The program staff and others who have watched Lewis for several months agree treatment has produced a man who is no longer a threat to re-offend.
Farmington Senator Kevin Engler has suggested a change in the law requiring prosecutors be added to the list of people who will be told a sexual predator is moving to their community after being released from the program.
Lewis will wear an ankle bracelet that tracks his every move. He’ll return to the center each evening. It’s hoped that his gradual transition into regular society and the ongoing support he’ll get will lead to a home and a job.
The SORTS program has been operating for about 20 years in Farmington. Almost 125 sexual offenders who have done prison time but are considered to dangerous to be back on the streets have been committed there under the mental health department.
AUDIO: Listen to the debate 42:04
