Petaluma Man Violates Probation By Loitering Near Children: PD

PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma man prohibited from being within 100 yards of Leghorns Park or other places children congregate was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of breaking those rules, police said.

An officer was patrolling in the vicinity of Leghorns Park around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday when he saw 38-year-old Gregory Lester Duke loitering there, police said.

The arresting officer was familiar with Duke because of Duke's arrest in January 2019 on charges related to annoying and harassing young children at the park.

Under the terms of his probation, Duke cannot be within 100 yards of the park or anywhere else children congregate, police said.

On Wednesday, Duke was "lingering in the area for some time and was well within 100 yards of the park," police said.

In a search of Duke's car officers found two knives which also violated his probation, police said.

Duke was booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of the probation violations, police said.

He was still in custody Thursday night, jail records showed.

At the time of Duke's arrest in 2019, a father called police from Leghorn's Park and said a man was being "overly friendly" with — and possibly touching — several children while wearing long John-style pants that were skin tight and see-through, police said.

"The father confronted the male and waited for police to arrive," Petaluma police Sgt. Lance Novello said in a news release about the 2019 incident.

When officers got to the park they "confirmed his questionable attire," Novello said.

When they questioned Duke, he said he was trying to teach the children tennis skills, Novello said.

Several children ranging from 5 to 11 years old and their parents were interviewed by police and gave similar accounts that "any touching was via a tennis racket or hands," Novello said.

"However, Duke's behavior made all feel uncomfortable and several described him as being sexually aroused during the contacts," Novello said.