LIHU‘E — A Kapa‘a man was sentenced to six months jail and a five-year felony probation for failing to comply with the state sex offender registry. Dennis Lee Vandermeer, 48, said that he believes in the purpose for the sex
LIHU‘E — A Kapa‘a man was sentenced to six months jail and a five-year felony probation for failing to comply with the state sex offender registry.
Dennis Lee Vandermeer, 48, said that he believes in the purpose for the sex offender registry and that he would remain compliant in the future.
Judge Kathleen N. A. Watanabe said that it is rare to have such statements from defendants and was pleased to read them. She cautioned Vandermeer that failing to comply during his probation period could result in a resentencing to a full term.
State Deputy Public Defender Christian Enright said the defendant has approximately 190 days in jail since his March 23 arrest on 25 non-compliance charges. He recommended probation and time served in the matter.
The defendant was homeless and jobless and did not pay enough attention to the law change regarding registration, Enright said. He understands now and said he would remain compliant.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Arin said the state recommended the probation and up to a year in jail. She said the jail time was to impress on the defendant the seriousness of the offense and for a past felony record.
Arin is prosecuting around sex-offender registration violation cases involving 25 defendants that were arrested between November and January. The sweep was conducted by Kaua‘i Police Department in conjunction with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@thegardenisland.com
