JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hearings conducted to keep violent sexual offenders nearing the end of their sentence continued and off the street are named after Jimmy Ryce, a boy who was abducted, raped and killed by a convicted sexual predator in Redland, Fla. in 1995.
Last year during News4Jax special coverage of sexual offenders, we reported information received from the State Attorney's Office that the Ryce family wanted the name of the act changed. That is not true.
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Jimmy Ryce's father, Don Ryce, issued a statement about the issue:
"I would like to address my family's position regarding the Florida law named after my son, Jimmy Ryce, who was abducted, raped and murdered on September 11, 1995.
"It makes my blood boil when I keep hearing that we want Jimmy's name removed from the Jimmy Ryce Act. This is absolutely ridiculous and has no merit whatsoever.
"We want our Jimmy's name to always be associated with the legislation that protects young children from sexual predators.
"In May of 1998, the Florida legislature unanimously passed the Jimmy Ryce Involuntary Civil Commitment for Sexually Violent Predators' Treatment and Care Act. The Jimmy Ryce Act, as it is now known, was signed by Governor Lawton Chiles on May 19, 1998, and became effective on January 1, 1999.
"My wife, Claudine, and I fought tirelessly for the passing of this legislation honoring our son and his brief life. She would turn over in her grave if anyone tampered with its sacred name."
About the Jimmy Ryce Act
According to the State Attorney's Office, the program monitors sexual offender or predators who are convicted of a sexual offense and suffers from a mental abnormality or psychological disorder that makes them likely to sexually re-offend.
Before sexual offenders and predators are released from jail special units with The Department of Children and Families interview them. If they meet certain criteria, prosecutors will decide if a hearing should be held.
While it's a civil hearing, not a criminal trial, there is still a jury that decides if the person should remains in custody and receive treatment in a secured facility or if they are released into the community when their prison time is completed.