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Town torn over molester's suicide (plus my vanity as the victim of a violent crime)
Miami Herald ^ | Apr. 23, 2005 | Cara Buckley

Posted on 04/24/2005 11:28:44 AM PDT by Former Military Chick

A sex offender's suicide, apparently triggered by damning fliers posted in his neighborhood, breeds deeply mixed feelings in Ocala -- and a slight hint of remorse.

OCALA - The molester is dead and the community is divided -- over whether their condemnation killed a man that many had wished would vanish anyway.

At dawn Thursday, as the sun spilled through this woodsy Central Florida city, Chuck Claxton awoke to find his son, Clovis, 38, dead of an apparent overdose. At his son's side lay one of the lime green fliers that had been dropped into neighbors' mailboxes and pinned to nearby trees, listing Clovis Claxton as a convicted sexual offender, highlighting his address and bearing, in oversize type, the words ``Child Rapist.''

Claxton took his life amid the horror and heartsickness left by the murders of Jessica Lunsford and Sarah Lunde, who died at the hands of sexual offenders. He died as the Florida Legislature was writing new laws to mandate that sexual predators serve longer sentences -- or be tracked electronically upon release.

His death raises the troubling issue of how far communities armed with sex-offender registries should go to protect their own.

Several people living near the Claxton home said they welcomed the fliers. While saddened by Clovis Claxton's death, some, like Daniel Bryan, a father of two, were quietly relieved that the question of his presence had been erased, albeit grimly.

Other sentiments raged far stronger. ''I think those people should be shot, those perverts,'' said Robert Parlin. ``There should be signs, definitely, all over.''

And still others worried that the extent of Claxton's crime had not been fully explained.

MENTALLY DISABLED

Claxton was developmentally disabled and wheelchair-bound after being struck in childhood by meningitis and encephalitis. His parents cared for him, and he lived in an apartment adjoining their neatly kept house in a forested enclave of southern Ocala.

In 1991, when his family was living in Washington state, Claxton was charged with first-degree child molestation over an incident involving a caregiver's 9-year-old daughter. He was 24 at the time but, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, had the mental capacity of a 10- or 12-year-old. He served 27 months in prison.

When his family moved to Florida in 2000, Claxton was listed as a sexual offender on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website. For reasons still unclear, the FDLE website also indicated that Claxton was charged with the rape of a child, though he had not been. Sheriff's deputies checked in on Claxton and did not consider him a threat but took him into custody at least five times for threatening suicide.

After the fliers began appearing this week, a distraught Claxton called up sheriff's deputies saying he feared for his life and thought his neighbors were out to hurt him. Agonizing, he said he wanted to kill himself.

He was taken for an overnight psychiatric assessment on Tuesday, but released the next day.

In Ocala, the furor over both the Lunsford and Lunde deaths is closely, rawly felt. The families of both young victims live within an hour's drive. In January, Adam Kirkirt, 11, who is from Marion County, was kidnapped by a sexual offender, though he was found later in Georgia, unharmed.

Still, Claxton's suicide bred deeply mixed feelings and some soul searching among residents here.

SIGNS OPPOSED

Some said that Claxton had served his time and posed no threat. Some opposed the idea of signs, saying it would devalue their real estate and drum up fear.

Others likened the current mood of the town to a witch hunt. And one distraught, close friend of the Claxtons, who did not want his name used, said he was enraged to find the flier in his mailbox. Clovis Claxton was simple and nice, he said, and sometimes mowed his lawn.

''We cannot cast people out,'' the man said, fighting tears.

The town is also fiercely debating how to manage its sexual offenders. Early this week, just before the Claxton fliers went up, Randy Harris, a county commissioner, urged that warning signs be posted in neighborhoods where convicted offenders live.

''I take no pleasure in hearing the report of anyone's death, even in this particular case,'' Harris said of Claxton's suicide. ``But I don't think we can go too far in providing information.''

Harris has found his strongest opponent in Marion County Sheriff Ed Dean, who believes warning signs would foster fear and violence. According to Dean, the county's 530-odd sexual predators are accounted for and have been visited by sheriff's deputies. Dean also said he plans to increase the frequency of such visits and notify people living within a mile of predators.

''I don't see what purpose signs would do, other than have an unintended consequence like this,'' said Dean. ``It creates hysteria.''

On Friday, two bouquets with sympathy cards were placed outside the Claxton home, which sits on a large lot decorated by bird feeders and brightly colored potted plants. A large dream catcher hung on Claxton's door, and a small dog barked from inside. His parents did not answer the door or return phone calls.

PROBE OF FLIERS

The county sheriff's office is investigating the distribution and posting of the fliers. They were downloaded from the FDLE website, which is legal, but the addition of the words ''child rapist'' constitutes tampering, according to sheriff spokesman Sue Livoti, and it is a misdemeanor.

Harris, for his part, said he would only strengthen his push to have warning signs posted in neighborhoods where sexual offenders lived.

''Real simple. There's been a suicide that occurred when we had 530 sex offenders in Marion County,'' said Harris. ``There are still 529.''


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Front Page News; Government; Miscellaneous; Politics/Elections; Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: childrapist; chuckclaxton; molester; sexoffenders; suicide
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To: longtermmemmory
Since these convicted criminals are basically unemployable and unacceptable as neighbors, then perhaps there should be a way to develope an "exile".

I have long advocated exiling violent criminals to a rock somewhere in the Aleutians with clothing and shoes, a blanket and a knife. Let their own nature, and "mother" nature take care of their disposal.

21 posted on 04/24/2005 1:33:03 PM PDT by JimRed ("Hey, hey, Teddy K., how many girls did you drown today?")
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To: Former Military Chick

FMC remember, you are not alone. My prayers are that whenever you feel these terrors the angels will surround you and chase your fears out of your mind and give you peace.

On a practical note, be a pest to the authorities about your case. Make them keep you informed so you know when/if he is going to get parole. It helps if you know someone in local law enforcement who can also keep tabs on things.


22 posted on 04/24/2005 1:36:06 PM PDT by chgomac
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To: Former Military Chick
When his family moved to Florida in 2000, Claxton was listed as a sexual offender on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website. For reasons still unclear, the FDLE website also indicated that Claxton was charged with the rape of a child, though he had not been. Sheriff's deputies checked in on Claxton and did not consider him a threat but took him into custody at least five times for threatening suicide.

Florida law fails again. As far as what has been reported, this family did not warrant what they have experienced. May God strengthen and comfort them.

Perhaps if Florida law and some of its citizens had done this in the search (that never happened prior to his last crime)for John Evander Couey, Jessica Lunsford would be alive today. Instead the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website had Clovis Claxton registered and listed for a crime that he did not commit.

23 posted on 04/24/2005 1:37:13 PM PDT by TexKat (Just because you did not see it or read it, that does not mean it did or did not happen.)
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To: TheDon

Exactly! Actions have consequences, or at least, they should have. The American educational establishment and social 'science' types are doing their best to convert this to a nation of spineless, whiney, gutless, infantile wimps. Love the sinner, hate the sin, make them suffer the consequences of the crime.


24 posted on 04/24/2005 1:38:57 PM PDT by NHResident
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To: Former Military Chick

Usually the perp is NOT a wheelchair bound, mentally retarded person. Les sympathy factor.

Fact is sexual criminals have little chance to be rehabilitated, per medical science.

On another thread, it was stated 88% recidivism for child molesters.

I say lock them all away, permanently. That should be our law.

It is cruelty to the general community, to rely on lists, flyers, and the hope you live near a 12 percenter, not an 88 percenter.


25 posted on 04/24/2005 1:39:28 PM PDT by truth_seeker
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To: TheDon

Florida law fails again. As far as what has been reported, this family did not warrant what they have experienced. May God strengthen and comfort them.

Perhaps if Florida law and some of its citizens had done this in the search (that never happened prior to his last crime)for John Evander Couey, Jessica Lunsford would be alive today. Instead the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website had Clovis Claxton registered and listed for a crime that he did not commit.


26 posted on 04/24/2005 1:42:33 PM PDT by TexKat (Just because you did not see it or read it, that does not mean it did or did not happen.)
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To: Former Military Chick

Regarding the suicide--it's fairly well known that these people seldom if ever change their ways. Therefore, I wonder if his suicide is because of the flyers themselves, or because he knew that because of this new exposure of what he does, he would be unlikely to ever be able to molest another wee one again. For child molesters, that's what they live for, you know.


27 posted on 04/24/2005 1:48:08 PM PDT by MizSterious (First, the journalists, THEN the lawyers.)
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To: MikeWUSAF

One of the main reason I posted my experience it does make folks ponder the actions of those on drug's or drug dealers.

We can get restraining order's against those who harm us. But, someone needs a fix wont care about that, the drug motivates them to hurt anyone in their path.

There has been discussion some folks start out small breaking the law and move up to bigger things that can result in murder.

Why not have them added to the list. Would we not want to know we live near someone who is downright evil and prey's on our fellow American's.


28 posted on 04/24/2005 1:57:57 PM PDT by Former Military Chick
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To: Former Military Chick

I suggest any restraining order is of a caliber that begins with a four. Such as 40 S&W, 44 Special , 45 acp.......

Sorry ya got hut FMC....hope yer mindset is "never" to be a victim again.

Stay safe ........


29 posted on 04/24/2005 2:06:23 PM PDT by Squantos (Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet. ©)
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To: Former Military Chick

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, FMC. I cannot pretend to know how you feel, but can only try and understand. These people must be dealt with as severely as is possible.


30 posted on 04/24/2005 2:11:12 PM PDT by MACVSOG68
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To: paul51
Yes we can [cast people out] and child rapists should be among the first to go

Although I would just as soon see people who rape children (all rapists, actually) put to death, Claxton wasn't charged with or convicted of raping a child.

Claxton was charged with first-degree child molestation (I don't know what that involves.)...

He served 27 months in prison.

... in 2000, Claxton was listed as a sexual offender on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website. For reasons still unclear, the FDLE website also indicated that Claxton was charged with the rape of a child, though he had not been.

31 posted on 04/24/2005 2:11:45 PM PDT by DumpsterDiver
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To: MizSterious


The article states he was threatening suicide way before the fliers went out.

But of course, it's all the fliers' fault, donchaknow....


32 posted on 04/24/2005 2:20:04 PM PDT by stands2reason (It's 2005, and two wrongs still don't make a right.)
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To: DumpsterDiver
Claxton was charged with first-degree child molestation (I don't know what that involves.)...

As far as I'm concerned, that qualifies him.

33 posted on 04/24/2005 2:21:42 PM PDT by paul51 (11 September 2001 - Never forget)
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To: Former Military Chick
I retired from a New York State prosecutor's office after 26 years, and what they have here as support mechanisms may differ, or be non-existent where you are, but they probably have something like we do. We had a Crime Victim's Compensation Board that helped with medical bills, counseling, etc. Our Office also had trained, professional Victim's Advocates to liaise with crime victims before,during and after trials, and assist them in filling out any paperwork, and helped them get in contact with counseling agencies, etc. There were Crime Victim Support Groups, some specialized, i.e, Parents of Murdered Children, Rape Victim groups, some generalized that offered group counsellings and support. In sum, there was a vast system available to help crime victims to deal with the trauma of their victimization.

On a basic level, I can comprehend what you are going through. I've seen it too many times. I can only urge you to find out if such agencies exist where you live, and to try and take advantage of them. They can help, especially the support groups. I hope you can find your way out of the dark place that animal has put you.

If I can be of ANY help to you, please feel free to contact me.
34 posted on 04/24/2005 2:23:13 PM PDT by PzLdr ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am" - Darth Vader)
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To: Former Military Chick

As sorry as I feel for this man's family, I find little sympathy for him, or any who prey on the weak and helpless. A few years ago, an elderly woman who went to my church was brutally murdered by a junkie who broke into her apartment to steal her TV so he could sell it for drug money. He was caught and copped a plea for life in prison, where he will be fed, clothed, and cared for by my tax dollars, and Katie (who was in her 90's) is gone from this world forever.


35 posted on 04/24/2005 2:33:26 PM PDT by Stonewall Jackson (Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. - John Adams)
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To: longtermmemmory
"...Since these convicted criminals are basically unemployable and unacceptable as neighbors, then perhaps there should be a way to develop an "exile"."

Excellent Idea!

I offer up the State of Massachusetts as a place for exile as long as we build a fence around it.

36 posted on 04/24/2005 2:55:18 PM PDT by albee (A paranoid schizophrenic is somebody who just found out what is going on.)
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To: truth_seeker

Last year I read the recidivist rate was about 97 percent.
A friend of mine was killed a few years ago by a repeat offender here in Massachusetts. What he was doing out of prison is beyond me. This wonderful woman was stabbed to death and died in a Burger King bathroom. Why? It never had to happen. The SOB should have been put to death years ago. We as a society must have the fortitude to recognize that these people are evil, contribute nothing and can not be
' cured '. The only way to stop this is to eradicate these people. Kill them all.


37 posted on 04/24/2005 3:37:10 PM PDT by warsaw44
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To: Former Military Chick

I'm on your side. I think that these perverts are incapable of reform. If society doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to execute them, we should find a nasty little island somewhere and dump them there. Never to leave.


38 posted on 04/24/2005 3:43:45 PM PDT by LibKill (Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.)
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To: Former Military Chick

You have Freepmail.
Warmly--


39 posted on 04/24/2005 3:56:12 PM PDT by SoVaDPJ
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To: Former Military Chick

It's been said that those emotions you feed (indulge, dwell on, etc.) are those that get stronger.


40 posted on 04/24/2005 3:59:24 PM PDT by Lizavetta
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