That knock at the door wasn't trick-or-treaters looking for candy at dozens of registered sex offenders' homes Wednesday: It was Napa County and city law enforcement checking to make sure the convicted offenders weren't violating specific rules that prevent them from being in contact with children on Halloween.
According to a media release from the Napa County Sheriff's Office, no sex offenders were caught trying to lure trick-or-treaters, but five were arrested for violating other terms of their probation:
On October 31, 2012, Napa County Sheriff’s Deputies, Napa Police Officers and Napa County Probation Officers conducted an in-person check on registered sex offenders, to ensure that they were in compliance with their registration requirements and the terms of their probation or parole. There are 287 registered sex offenders in Napa County.
Prior to this operation, letters were sent to approx. 80 registered sex offenders who are on probation or parole, reminding them that they are not permitted to participate in typical Halloween activities-such as trick or treating, handing out candy or having their porch lights on.
More than 40 of the registrants were contacted and found to be in compliance with the Halloween specific restrictions.
However, five were arrested for violating other terms of their probation (1203.2 PC) and booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections:
Gregory Evans, 41 years old of Napa – visiting parks
Lucas Bleuel, 26 years old of Napa – possession of pornography
Ezekiel Foster, 31 years old of American Canyon – possession of a knife and resisting arrest.
William Hauff, 51 years old of Napa – possession of children’s toys
Juan Mendoza, 21 years old of St. Helena – failure to update address (located and arrested the following day, November 1, 2012, at 2:30 pm)
Source: Napa County Sheriff's Office. Arrest information does not indicate convictions.
County authorities also announced Thursday that another convicted sex offender, 52-year-old Ignace Rothschild, is a fugitive for failing to register. A reward is offered for anonymous tips leading to his arrest: Please see Sex Offender Sought in Napa County.
Updated Nov. 2: Ezekiel Foster was pronounced dead at the Napa County Department of Corrections Thursday afternoon, according to the coroner's office: Please see
