ANTELOPE, Calif. — The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office was out in full force in Antelope Wednesday after reports that a sexually violent predator who recently moved to the area was acting suspicious.
Law enforcement was going door-to-door on Big Cloud Way making sure neighbors knew about Robert Singleton.
“He is not on probation or parole, however, in 1994, he was convicted of numerous sex crimes against children,” said Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jeff Finch.
The sheriff’s office says Singleton was released from prison by the Department of State Hospitals with the condition he has to let the sheriff’s office know where he’s living every 90 days.
Singleton told ABC10 he moved to a home on Big Cloud Way three months ago to be with his family.
“I already did my time … I served my time, I’m not messing with anybody,” Singleton said.
But the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Team says they witnessed behavior from him raising their level of concern.
“(He) came out right before school got dismissed, watched kids walk by after school dismissal and then went right back inside,” said Sgt. Amar Gandhi.
Singleton’s residence is less than half a block from North Creek Elementary and the playground can be seen from the middle of the street.
He says deputies knocked on his door but didn’t show him the flyer or tell him they were speaking to neighbors.
“Society downgrades us and all that. A person serves his time, it should be over,” Singleton said. "I’m not doing any harm.”
Neighbor and mother Erica Smith had no idea she was living across the street from a registered sex offender and says she will stay vigilant moving forward.
“Obviously, we are going to make our daughter aware, and we are going to have to let any parents of her friends know that there is someone across the street we have to keep an eye on,” Smith said.
The California Supreme Court overturned residency restrictions for registered sex offenders under Jessica’s Law back in 2015. The sheriff’s office says anyone harassing or intimidating Singleton can face penalties.
The Center Joint Unified School District released the following statement:
Dear CJUSD Families,
We wanted to let you know that the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office contacted us today to inform us that a registered sexual predator was recently released from the CA Department of State Hospitals. He is now residing in Antelope.
The notification is not intended to create fear; the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office believes “that an informed public is a safer public."
We remain diligent about our students' safety and ask that all families keep their eyes open and report any suspicious behavior to the Sheriff’s Office at SAFE@sacsheriff.com. In case of emergency, call 911.
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