Level 3 Sex Offender Leaves Morse School Area

Just as parents were learning about a Level 3 sex offender living near Morse School, the man has already decided to move out of town.

John Altman, also known as Johnny Hollywood, had moved in at 70 Pocantico Street according to information sent out to parents by police. The residence is just around the corner from the elementary school.

State-mandated notification about Altman's location began going out to residents last week, which shocked some parents. 

"Is he allowed to be living so close to a school?" said Tarrytown resident Jaime Valencia, whose son attends Morse. "I've called everyone I know to find out more information about this."

Altman is labelled as a Level 3 sex offender, which means there is a "high risk of repeat offense and a threat to public safety exists". According to records, Altman has served a 110 month sentence, beginning in 1993, for two offenses involving underage children. The classification of those offenses were "promoting or possessing a sexual performance by a child".

Soon after notification went out to residents and parents who have children in Morse School, Altman moved out of Sleepy Hollow, according to local police who are familiar with the case. Altman is apparently moving back to White Plains, however Lt. Eric Fischer with the White Plains Police said he has not yet registered in their jurisdiction. Sex offenders have ten days to register a change of address. 

According to the Sex Offender Registry updated by New York State, there are four sex offenders living in the 10591 area, two of them are Level 3 offenders. The registry does not include Level 1 offenders. It is possible there are more sex offenders in the area as well because it takes some time for the state to update their registry information – for example, Altman is still listed as living in White Plains from a previous registration. 

The New York Division of Criminal Justice Services says that state law only restricts where registered sex offenders live if the offender is under parole or probation supervision. Those limitations may bar the offender from living within 1,000 feet of a school or other facility caring for children.

The state recommends that parents wishing to talk to their children about sex offenders do so in a way that won't scare them. 

"Children may not be able to process the graphic nature of some offenses," states the DCJS website.  

The DCJS has teaching tools on its website under Missing Children/Safety for use when talking to children. Parents who believe that a crime is being committed by a sex offender, should contact local police.