Known sex offender checks out of town

Greg Risling

NEWPORT BEACH -- A convicted sex offender living near Lincoln Elementary

School who caused concern among teachers, parents and students, has moved

out of the area, police said.

Jay Michael Raymond, 46, on Monday notified police that he had packed his

bags over the weekend and relocated to Murietta Hot Springs in Riverside

County, where he had once resided in the past. Raymond informed police

last week of his intention to leave Newport Beach.

“He let us know that he moved out of our jurisdiction,” said Sgt. Mike

McDermott. “He didn’t have too much else to say.”

Police officials say they later confirmed that Raymond had indeed left,

after checking with the landlord at the Baywood Apartments, the complex

in which he lived.

The public became aware of Raymond last week when authorities contacted

school administrators at Lincoln Elementary.

They were told that Raymond, a convicted sex offender, lived about a

quarter of a mile away from the school. Raymond was convicted in 1997 for

reportedly making overt sexual suggestions to an 11-year-old boy.

After reviewing Raymond’s conviction, police decided to alert school

administrators about his proximity to the elementary school.

Under Megan’s Law, a state provision, police agencies are permitted to

inform the public about where a convicted sex offender lives or works.

Raymond is classified as a serious sex offender, a tier below the most

dangerous classification of child molesters and rapists.

Police said the department fielded several calls from residents who

either wanted to know more about Raymond or were upset that he lived in

Newport Beach.

McDermott said one woman persisted with her argument, wondering why

police couldn’t do more.

“She wanted to know why he was running around,” McDermott said. “We told

her he served his time and has the right to live where he wants to. But

we felt under Megan’s Law that people should know this guy lives near a

school.”