And he’s doing more than thinking. His parole and treatment terms require that he avoid going to places where he will encounter children. Presumably there are provisions for normal activities like clothes and grocery shopping, which can be done with a responsible adult accompanying him. But there is NO legitimate reason for a convicted sex offender to be making trips to toy stores. If he wants to buy a Christmas or birthday present for a young relative, he is free to order online. Toy stores are clearly out, but he went anyway. He’s not be locked up for his thoughts, he’s being locked up for a combination of past crime, parole violations, expressing thoughts of reoffending to a parole officer, AND actions which indicate he is actually planning to reoffend.
Well said and worth repeating.
Then he should be prosecuted for those acts alone. Thoughts which were not put into action (or inaction) have no place in law or the courtroom.