Channel 9's Ti-Hua Chang reports from the streets of Brooklyn Heights about the latest chapter in the controversy surrounding the U.S. Attorney's decision to located a Federal parolee center steps away from the campus of the Saint Ann's School. When news broke about the issue in July, the school administration tried to take an enlightened approach to the matter. "We believe that as long as the school and its neighbors are doing everything they can to ensure student safety, there is a limit to the extent to which the school can or should appropriately try to influence, block or change the environment and facilities in which Saint Ann’s has always chosen to locate itself," wrote the headmaster and board president at the time. Just two weeks into the school year, however, a 32-year-old parolee who'd already done 12 years in jail on drug-related charges, bolted from an interrogation room at 147 Pierrepont Street at 2:50 in the afternoon, ten minutes before school let out. Two armed officers pursued him on the street, where one parent reported seeing one of the officers reach for his gun before thinking better of it. On top of that, it's come to light that 53 sex offenders (six of whom are pedophiles) have been visiting the parole office, contrary to assurances initially given the school administration. Needless to say, the school administration has now changed its tune and will be asking a Federal judge to relocate the probation office to the courts.
Video: Next-Door Parolees Worry Parents [my9tv]
Yassky Weighs in on Saint Ann's Probation Office Affair [Brownstoner]
Saint Ann's To Make the Best of Probation Office Move [Brownstoner]
Federal Probation Officer Defends Proximity to St. Ann's [Brownstoner]
Parole Facility Planned Next Door to St. Ann's School [Brownstoner]
