Sex-offender law reformers draw warning

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque city attorneys sent a letter to the group Reform Sex Offenders Laws saying the city will respect their First Amendment rights but adding the city will also increase police presence and monitoring during the group's conference.

The RSOL conference starts on Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Ramada Hotel near Interstate 40 and Eubank Boulevard NE.

Mayor Richard J. Berry says his office received about a dozen calls and some e-mails from people concerned about who will be attending the conference.

Berry says his team found that RSOL founder and former board member Tom Reeves was also associated with NAMBLA -- the North American Man/Boy Love Association.

RSOL confirmed that, but says Reeves resigned two years ago and died earlier this year.

RSOL says its bylaws and code of ethics clearly state that members shall not be affiliated with or condone NAMBLA or similar groups. RSOL reforms include limiting access to sex offender registries to law enforcement, removing offenders from the registries after they complete their probation and reductions of penalties for some offenses.

The city also sent a letter to the Ramada management warning them to increase security around the pool, sauna and fitness center. In addition, the letter noted that Tomasita Elementary and Kennedy Middle School are near the hotel.

RSOL has reserved 25 rooms at the Ramada, and about 100 people are expected to attend.