Sex Offenders Warned To Stay Away on Halloween
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

ALBANY — The state Division of Parole wants to make sure sex offenders aren’t up to their old tricks when children are looking for treats this Halloween.
The 1,983 sex offenders under supervision of parole officers are subject to special restrictions on October 31. Starting at 3 p.m. or immediately after they get out of work, all sex offender parolees must stay in their homes until 6 a.m. They aren’t allowed to wear masks or costumes, participate in any Halloween activity, or open the door to trick-or-treaters.
“By implementing these special conditions, the Division of Parole will be doing everything in its power to make sure that all of New York’s families can have a safe and enjoyable time while trick-or-treating,” said Anthony Ellis, director of the agency.
New York state has placed special restrictions on sex offender parolees on Halloween for about 10 years, said Scott Steinhardt, spokesman for the parole office.