Sexually Violent Predator Management Task Force
(Announcement of Public Meetings)

STATEWIDE – In 2006, the West Virginia Legislature established the Sexually Violent Predator Management Task Force as part of an ongoing effort to protect the public by effectively managing sexually violent predators in West Virginia.

Sexually violent predators are defined in law more specifically than other types of sexual offenders. They are the most high risk group of sex offenders. As indicated in WV Code §15-12, to qualify as a sexually violent predator, an individual must have been convicted [or found not guilty by reason of mental illness, mental retardation, or addiction] of a sexually violent offense. That individual must also be found to suffer from a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes the person likely to engage in predatory sexually violent offenses. An individual may only be deemed a sexually violent predator by a Circuit Court judge. Currently in West Virginia there are 19 registered sexually violent predators. Three of those 19 are incarcerated.

According to the law, the Sexually Violent Predator Management Task Force has the duty to develop measures for the appropriate management of sexually violent predators. As a way of accomplishing this task, the Task Force will be holding public meetings throughout the state to elicit ideas and concerns from the public. There will be three meetings in the following areas:

Morgantown Ramada Inn
January 17, 2007
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Martinsburg Holiday Inn
January 18, 2007
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Charleston Marriott
February 13, 2007
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.


Each public meeting will adhere to the following schedule:

6:00 p.m. – 6:10 p.m. Opening Remarks & Overview of the Sexually Violent Predator Task Force
6:10 p.m. – 6:50 p.m. Who are sexually violent predators?
How do we manage them in West Virginia?
How can you have a role in this process?

6:50 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Intermission / Registration of Public Speakers
7:05 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Public Comment Period

Any questions regarding the public meetings or the Task Force itself need to be directed to Jim Rubenstein, Commissioner of the WV Division of Corrections at (304) 558-2036.

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