KPTV - FOX 12Sex offender registered to Occupy Portland shares story

Sex offender registered to Occupy Portland shares story

A convicted sex offender from California who registered his address at the Occupy Portland camp spoke to FOX 12 about his past and reasons for moving.

"I'm not here to harm children," said Raymond Curtis. "I'm not harmful to children."

Curtis said he left Mendocino, CA, started driving and ended up in Portland. Since last week, he's been living in Lownsdale Square among the dozens of other demonstrators in solidarity with the national Occupy Wall Street movement.

"I found there was an opportunity to maybe change the system and I've put everything I have into it. Here I am," said Curtis.

As a convicted sex offender, he's required to re-register any time he moves.

"I had 10 days to register with local authorities as a drug felon and as a convicted sex offender. I did this as part of my responsibilities," he told FOX 12.

The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office wouldn't reveal details about Curtis' past offense because he isn't required to register publicly on the state's Megan's Law website due to the level of his offense.

However, Curtis said it involved a woman he thought was an adult.

"I was under the impression she was 21, as she was drinking in a bar," said Curtis.  "I got a misdemeanor annoy, harass or molest of a person under the age of 18."

Demonstrators said after learning more about Curtis' case, they're not as concerned.

"He's registering as the law requires and he's paid his debt to society," said mother Jennifer Alexander, who stopped by the camp with her family on Monday. "There are plenty of registered sex offenders all over these surrounding blocks. It's not a new thing for this area or Portland."

Dozens of demonstrators, including families with children, remain camped out in the two downtown parks across from City Hall. 

Occupy Portland organizers say they're watching out for potential problems, along with Portland police officers, who have maintained a presence in the area.

"I keep an eye out," said Lindsey Walker, who's currently living at the camp. "I know a lot of the folks around here personally, and we're all keeping an eye out. So, we're all making sure everyone is safe."

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