FARGO, N.D. – A Fargo City Commissioner is concerned as a sex offender medical center is moving into a building close to women’s shelters and a school.
The non-profit Sex Offender Treatment and Assessment North Dakota will operate a facility at 2627 University Drive South in the old Cornerstone Bank. It’s a half mile from the YWCA and Fraser shelters and a mile from Eagles Elementary.
“You go to escape your domestic violence or sexual violence situation and you have a sexual treatment facility. Are you possibly riding the same bus. It’s just down the street,” Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg said on The Jay Thomas Show.
On its website, STAND says it’s “committed to the improved safety of North Dakota communities through the provision of high-quality, evidence-based treatment and other services for individuals convicted or adjudicated of sexual crimes.”
The city says STAND has applied for a renovation permit for offices.
“Fargo Police Department officers currently work diligently to keep track of all sex offenders in our community to ensure they are abiding all laws. The FPD checks on each offender several times a year to confirm they are compliant with their requirements to register. These frequent visits by officers help serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior. FPD officers will continue their dedication to this work to maintain safety in our community,” Fargo Police Captain Bill Ahfeldt said.
WDAY Radio reached out to STAND for an interview, but we haven’t heard back.
