Level Three sex offender registered in Ritzville

Adams County Sheriff John Hunt has issued an informational bulletin regarding a Level Three sex offender now residing on East Weber Road in Ritzville. Eugene Roy (Gene) Kliewer, 71, was convicted of sexual interference on May 2, 2012, in Ontario, Canada.

Kliewer is described as a 6-foot-1, 180 pound, white male with grey hair and blue eyes. Kliewer’s victim was his three-year-old step-granddaughter, and his offense was equivalent to first-degree child molestation.

Kliewer’s sentence included 12 months of confinement and three years of community supervision. He refused to comply with the terms of his probation by refusing to enroll and participate in a Sex Offender Treatment Program, as set forth by the Ontario Court of Justice, and fled Canada to avoid having to comply with the orders.

He is a U.S. citizen and is not subject to deportation, but due to his unwillingness to comply with the terms of his sentencing, he is considered a high risk to re-offend.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is authorized to inform the public of a sex offender’s release when, in the discretion of the agency, the release of information will enhance public safety and protection. Kliewer’s conviction requires him to register with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

The bulletin states Kleiwer has served his sentence, and he “is not wanted by the police at this time. This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.”

Kliewer is free to live wherever he chooses, unless court ordered restrictions exist, and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office has no legal authority to direct where he can live.

The Community Protection Act of 1990 mandates sex offender registration, which in many cases allows law enforcement to publicly share the information.

“Citizen abuse of this information to threaten, intimidate, or harass registered sex offenders will not be tolerated,” the bulletin reads. “Further, such abuse could end law enforcement’s ability to do community notifications.”

“We believe the only person who wins if community notification ends is the sex offender, since sex offenders derive their power through secrecy.”

To search for offenders in your area, visit http://www.co.adams.wa.us/departments/sheriff.asp or contact the Adams County Sheriff’s Office at 659-1122.