Sex offender's probation hinges on finding a full-time job

By Manette Newbold

November 10, 2005 | LOGAN -- After being in prison for one year, and completing the Del Amo Hospital sexual recovery program in California, a local sex offender will now get probation so long as he can find full-time employment, Judge Thomas Willmore said Tuesday.

Steven Viator pleaded guilty and was sentenced for aggravated sex abuse of a child last year and has been incarcerated since August, 2004. He was sent to prison for inviting a four-year-old girl into his apartment and asking her to take her shirt off for him. He appeared in court yesterday to report his progress and his efforts in finding work.

Viator told the judge he had applied at Honk's, E.A. Miller and Staples and was offered a few interviews. "I have a very serious charge on my record and it makes it difficult to find work," he said.

Willmore said Viator could be put on probation but would remain in jail until he had a job. The judge said it must be full time and Viator cannot get fired or quit unless he finds another approved job.

The judge also told Viator he would have to comply with all sex offender prohibitions, such as not watching pornography or coming in contact with children.

Willmore told Viator he could also live in the same house as his toddler but if there was any report of him committing sex offense to his child, Viator would be sent to prison. He would also be sent to prison for breaking any of the sex offender prohibitions.

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