In Lincoln County, Mississippi, a man convicted of soliciting minors via the Internet in 2008 has been voted back in as a member of the Bogue Chitto Volunteer Fire Department this week. Forty-year-old William Brad Mercier is on Mississippi’s sex offender registry (click here). He’s also the son of the fire chief, Sedgie Mercier. Chief Mercier who would not comment for Therese Apel of The Clarion-Ledger.
Local officials, concerned about the situation, point out there is a school building across the street from Bogue Chitto VFD Station 1. They also told Appel they believe Mercier is not allowed on school property. According to Appel, some firefighters brought the issue to Sen. Sally Doty, R-Brookhaven this past weekend.
Thesese Apel, The Clarion Ledger:
“A recent staffing decision by one of our valued volunteer fire departments has caused concern for other fire personnel and community members who have reached out to me,” Doty said. “Our fire departments provide critical and essential services to our communities. In order to maintain a high degree of public confidence, all agencies must follow consistent, transparent and ethical staffing practices.”
Sheriff Steve Rushing said he believes the school has to be notified of the situation. Sex offenders have to report on a regular basis to their local authorities and provide updated addresses and current photos. Mercier’s last check in was May 27.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said as far as he knows, Mercier cannot be on school property, but the fire department’s location is not a problem. He also said there is no law on the books that says a sex offender cannot otherwise be a public servant, but it would depend on what was in his court order when he was convicted.
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