Are cops exempt?

Recently a well-liked, veteran Grand Haven City police officer was arrested for using his position to obtain sexual favors from two women over the past several years. His sentence was light, compared to those we see for other sex offenses. He was also exempted from having his name placed on the Sex Offender Registry. In Michigan, as in many states, there are no categories or classifications in the sex registry. Whatever the offense, from a simple mistake to the worst case of child molestation, those convicted are lumped into one list.

I sent this letter to the Grand Haven Tribune, which was published yesterday:

Now let me get this straight.

The name of a person who is arrested for indecent exposure for urinating in public is placed on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry, along with those of rapists and pedophiles.

The name of a teenager who has consensual sex with his girl friend who is a juvenile is arrested for criminal sexual conduct, and his name is placed on the Sex Offender Registry.

A popular Grand Haven cop is arrested for using his position to get sex from two women is given jail time, probation, community service, and a fine. And his name is not placed on the Sex Offender Registry.

Is there something wrong with this picture?

Doug

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