Anonymous Patron writes “Sex offender guilty in case tied to library A convicted sex offender pleaded guilty Tuesday to sexually exploiting a minor in a case that changed the way computer users at Phoenix public libraries access the Internet.
Charlton Ward, 33, will serve 28 years in prison and be placed on lifetime probation, according to the terms of his plea agreement, Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas said at a news conference.
Ward served time in prison for attempting to molest a child in Pima County in 1997.”
Public Responsibility
This case demonstrates that libraries can be used for criminal intent and endangerment of the public. I am not saying that we need to become paranoid or even compromise first amendment rights. Library professionals need to understand that in serving the public in a publically accessed facility there is always the chance of using material for criminal intent. We also need to understand that the public that we serve needs to feel that the library is a safe place. Isn’t it a shame that the Mayor of Phoenix expresses an opinion and insight that we should share. Filtering the internet with it limitless possibilities for criminal intent and public endangerment needs to be monitored. If people choose to do such actions on the internet no one stops them from purchasing their own computers and internet access at home.(I am not advocating this either) The public should not provide with tax money a way of abetting crime because the criminal can’t afford the means. Does this mean we give a robber a free weapon because he can’t afford it? The constitution guarantees rights to all Americans it is not a blank check to do what ever one wants to do. Can we yell fire in a crowded theater and then claim free speech? What we need is more public responsibility.