They fear that released prisoners are being dumped in U.P.
HARVEY -- A group of residents in Chocolay Township is discussing a possible protest at two local motels where the residents claim ex-prisoners, many of them sex offenders, are being housed by the state.
The date and time of the protest has not been set yet.
Dan Wheeler, the owner of Marquette Motor Lodge, acknowledges housing some parolees.
On the other hand, Cassandra Saari, the owner of Americas Best Value Inn, says she currently does not have parolees as guests. "We've had some in the past," she explained, "but there are none with us now. And our whole policy of accepting them in the future is under consideration."
A Department of Corrections official confirms that parolees are routinely sent to the Upper Peninsula, as they are all over the state, but they are generally sent to counties where they can get family support.
A DOC official told TV6 Wednesday that 31 parolees were sent to Marquette County last year. He vehemently denied that the state was engaged in a program to "dump" parolees in Marquette County.
Chocolay Township Police Chief Greg Zyburt confirmed that sex offenders from Marquette County have been routinely returned to Marquette County upon their release from prison.
"It just so happened," Chief Zyburt explained, "that over the last few months, there were a few more than usual that were released and sent to the motels here. At most, I believe, there were nine. Now, I think it's something like four parolees living in one of the motels."
He further explained that the state tries to send parolees back to their families, but if the families can't or won't take them back in their homes, the parolees are generally sent to temporary residences, such as motels, until a permanent home can be found for them.
If you are wondering if there are parolees near you click here for the Michigan State Police Offenders list.
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