A registered sex offender from Dermott was charged last week, on his thirty-third birthday, with public display of hard-core sexual conduct and voyeurism. The charges are in connection with two separate incidents in Monticello, one at a local nursing home in May and the other at a private residence in September.
James Edward Dotson, Jr., 33, of Dermott, is alleged to have peered into a nursing home window on May 10 while sexually gratifying himself. On September 26, he is alleged to have peered into a minor female’s window while engaging in the same behavior.
He was charged with public display of hard-core sexual conduct in the nursing home case and voyeurism in the other case.
Explaining the different charges filed in the similar cases, 10th Judicial District Prosecutor Thomas Deen said in voyeurism the person has to be looking into a place where the person has the expectation of privacy, such as a residence.
In the nursing home case, it isn’t clear where Dotson is alleged to have been looking (a room, hallway, etc…) but he was allegedly engaging in the behavior in a place in which the public had access, Deen explained.
Both charges are Class D felonies punishable by a maximum six-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine. However, Dotson, if convicted, is subject to enhanced penalties because he allegedly is a habitual offender. He was convicted in 1996 of first-degree sexual abuse.
In addition to the Drew County charges, a petition was filed in Chicot County Circuit Court to revoke Dotson’s suspended sentence for a prior drug conviction because he failed to report a change of address and he was living within 2,000 feet of a public park.
Go buy a magazine. Sick!
“10th Judicial District Prosecutor Thomas Deen said in voyeurism the person has to be looking into a place where the person has the expectation of privacy, such as a residence.” This is true. That is why you should keep your curtains closed.
Lax…are you saying that leaving curtains open makes it OK for sickos to look in and ‘gratify’ themselves?!!
My comment was in response to Prosecutor Deen’s quote about “expectation of privacy”. If you live in a residential area or an apartment complex and you have your curtains open than you lose that “expectation of privacy”. I am not saying someone should be standing outside your place peeping in on you through your blinders or curtains.
A man in Virginia, Erick Williamson, was arrest for indecent exposure because he was standing naked in his own home and a child walked by. The jury found him not guilty. He used the same argument about “expectation of privacy” which I agree with. Just keep your curtains and doors closed.