Reaction: Sex Offender Released from Prison

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Relatives of a 55-year-old sex offender who was released from The Bahamas Department of Corrections on Friday say he spent the majority of his adult life in prison. The man’s release was just recently made public, with Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe saying he is considered a risk to public safety.

Jared Higgs tells us more.

Scott’s relatives tell Our News his first stint in prison came at age 16 for murder. Since then he’s been back for armed robbery, rape, and indecent assault.

Some residents of Strachan’s Corner, which officials listed as his last address, remember when the now 55-year-old lived in the area.

While announcing Strachan’s release on Friday, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe revealed Scott’s track record includes offenses against a 9-year-old girl, a 17-year-old girl, and while in the correctional institution, behavior towards adult females.

Several of Scott’s relatives describe him as manipulative, suggesting he’s been institutionalized after spending more than 30 years in prison.

Twenty-year-old Elliana Madison has lived in the area for 13 years and is concerned to know about his ties to the area.

Munroe previously announced the identity of sex offenders would not be released, because those offenders could petition the courts to have their names removed if they face harassment.

He’s also previously expressed doubt that a sex offenders list would be effective, suggesting a more effective method would be tracking offenders electronically for 10 years after their release from prison.

Another long-time resident of Strachan’s Corner who is familiar with the sex offender, questioned whether he wanted to help himself.

Scott’s most recent prison stint came after he pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting a 9-year-old girl.

Prior to that, he served six years of a nine-year sentence for raping a 17-year-old. Munroe has warned members of the public that if they harass Scott, it could lead to courts deciding against public notification of sex offenders.

Most residents we spoke to want to be notified about offenders being released in their neighborhoods.