i've always thought they should tell the authorities, not citizens...people don't need to know shit like that. for the exact reason you said. i know a guy i do not like, who is a sex offender. i got the story from a police officer whose known him a long time. when he was 17 he was dating a 16 year old girl. they had been together for years, and her mother didn't like him. the day he turned 18 she pressed charges against him to get rid of him....he didn't really "rape" anyone...but now that shit follows him through life....i still don't like him, but i don't give him any shit about that.....