Iowa nursing home eyed for elderly sex offenders
January 17th, 2012 by Ric Hanson
ROCKWELL CITY, Iowa (AP) – Some Iowa legislators say a special nursing home for elderly sex offenders and other criminals may be needed. State Rep. Helen Miller, D-Fort Dodge, says the state will need a facility “where these individuals will be contained.” She made her statement when the issue was raised at a Fort Dodge forum on Saturday.
A sex offender who was released to a Pomeroy nursing home was accused of sexual contact with a resident there. Gov. Terry Branstad has proposed a law requiring nursing homes to notify families of residents when a sexual offender moves in.
On Saturday, Rep. Tom Shaw, R-Laurens, said stronger measures are needed. He says the state might have to buy a nursing home and employ personnel trained to deal with sex offenders.