3 sex offenders face Halloween-related charges

Three southeast Missouri men face charges for violating Missouri’s new law restricting the actions of convicted sex offenders on Halloween.

Cape Girardeau County prosecutor Morley Swingle announced the misdemeanor charges Friday against 30-year-old Terry Greable of Jackson, 59-year-old Armando Torres of Cape Girardeau, and 40-year-old Sammy Sweaney of Cape Girardeau.

Swingle says all three failed to comply with the provision requiring that they post a sign outside their home stating that no candy would be given out. Sweaney was charged with a second count for failing to leave all outside lights off during Halloween evening.

The law is being challenged by attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union, but a federal appeals court agreed to allow the law to stand for this Halloween.