Michael McGee wouldn't be the first violent sex offender to live in home in Town of Wheatland



KENOSHA COUNTY -- A violent sex offender, the subject of a brewing court battle was to be released to his new home in Town of Wheatland in Kenosha County on Tuesday, May 31st. The court wasn't about to stop Michael McGee's placement, but the move was stopped by someone else. This, as FOX6 News has learned should his placement happen, McGee wouldn't be the first violent sex offender to live in this home.

Michael McGee



McGee was released from Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center in Mauston on Tuesday morning. He was supposed to move into a home on Geneva Road in the Town of Wheatland -- but there was a new twist on move-in day -- when a building inspector got involved.

"I find it be a valid placement under the state law and that was my view," the judge said.

A view the judge stands by, despite several hearings with Town of Wheatland officials and most recently, Kenosha County officials to stop this placement.

The judge refused to stay his decision, which means McGee was about to move into his new home.

Sex offender home in Town of Wheatland



His attorney agreed with the placement, saying it follows state law.

"The public should know that this is an individual the state has been watching every minute of every day for the last 13 years and they think it's appropriate," Robert Peterson, McGee's attorney said.

It seems those in the Town of Wheatland are watching too.

On Tuesday morning, a notice was placed on the home McGee was supposed to move into. The notice said the home needed an inspection.

Sex offender home in Town of Wheatland



"There was somebody in here doing extensive remodeling from what we understand -- plumbing possibly being brought in, fixtures, electrical dry wall. All we want to do is make sure it`s safe for the occupant in the house," Bill Blembocki, Wheatland town chairman said.

Sex offender home in Town of Wheatland



The building inspector claimed the home lacks permits -- so no one is being allowed to move in, for now.

Sex offender home in Town of Wheatland



"We don`t want him around here," Mark Rogers said.

Rogers lives next door. He doesn't want McGee around -- ever. Rogers has a one-year-old child and young family members who visit often.

"It`s a very uneasy environment knowing what's going to be next door," Rogers said.

Mark Rogers



Rogers has been vocal and visual with his message. He said Tuesday he hopes for a possible appeal in his favor.

"There's hope that people can take a look at the big picture and realize this is a horrible decision," Rogers said.

I am going to do everything in my power to say 'you're not welcome here,'" Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth said.

McGee was taken back to Sand Ridge while the permit issue is sorted out.

Those against his placement have filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals. The next time this issue will be addressed is June 8th.

If or when McGee does move into the home in the Town of Wheatland, he will be under house arrest for the first year, and he would only be able to leave the home with an escort.



He would also be on GPS monitoring 24 hours per day for the rest of his life.

FOX6 News has learned McGee wouldn't be the first violent sex offender to live in this home.

In 2013, FOX6 put together a report on a man who rents homes to the state for violent offenders. Included in that report was this Town of Wheatland home.



Edward Duty



Court records show Edward Duty lived at the home after serving a sentence for assaulting a 12-year-old girl.

Like McGee, Duty came from the Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Facility. He was eventually removed from the home after re-offending, and sent back to prison.

Mark Rogers, who lived next to Duty at the time, says a lot has changed this time around.

"I didn't have a family when I moved in here.  My son, he's only a year old now. My fiancee is 28. We've built a life here. Right now, all I can do is to continue to fight and bring awareness to what's going on," Rogers said.