A level three sex offender -- a designation given to those most likely to reoffend -- is moving into Wadena.
Wadena Police Chief Bruce Uselman said Thursday that a community notification meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 5 p.m. In the city of Wadena administrative building, 222 Second St. SE in Wadena. The Wadena Police Department, Wadena County Sheriff's Department and Minnesota Department of Corrections will hold the meeting, and the public is welcome.
The offender is Christopher Austin Sharp, a 22-year-old with a history of sexual contact with female victims between the age of 15 and adult. He will be moving to the vicinity of Bryant Avenue and First Street in Wadena.
He's scheduled to arrive Jan. 3, the day of the community notification meeting.
"The purpose of the Community Notification meeting is not to increase fear within our community, but to furnish information to enhance public safety and awareness," Uselman explained.
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Local law enforcement in Wadena county and city have been aggressive in monitoring sex offenders. The offenders are required to maintain their registration with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Wadena County Attorney Kyra Ladd has been vigorously prosecuting offenders who fail to meet the requirements of that registration, including letting law enforcement know about changes of address, job or car.
Uselman said there are approximately 50 registered sex offenders living in Wadena County. Sharp will be the third level three offender, joining James Robert Holtorf and Chad Allan
Mikiska.
