IL Attorney General Urges Families To Check Sex Offender Registry Ahead Of Halloween

SPRINGFIELD, IL — With Halloween coming up on Thursday, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul recommended that parents and guardians review the state's sex offender registry as a precaution before setting out on trick-or-treat routes with their children.

Raoul emphasized the importance of ensuring safe Holiday activities two days after a north suburban sex offender was arrested for allegedly handing out candy to children.

"With many families planning Halloween activities this week, I am encouraging parents, grandparents and guardians to keep their families safe by checking Illinois' Sex Offender Registry before leaving home," Raoul said in a statement Tuesday.

"While Illinois law prohibits child sex offenders from distributing candy, searching the registry is a quick step families can take before leaving home to ensure everyone has a happy and safe Halloween," he said.

Under Illinois law, individuals convicted of crimes against minors are barred from distributing candy, participating in Halloween events, or engaging in other activities involving children under 18.

For those on parole, probation, or supervised release, additional restrictions may apply, including requirements to remain indoors with their lights off, unless leaving home for verified work purposes, according to the attorney general's office.

As of October 2024, the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, which is maintained by the Illinois State Police, lists over 34,000 registered sex offenders. More than 27,000 of those people, mostly men, were convicted of offenses against minors.

In a recent incident underscoring the importance of the registry and law enforcement vigilance, a convicted child sexual predator in Lake County allegedly violated Halloween restrictions, Patch previously reported.

Police say they arrested 71-year-old Margarito Esparza of Beach Park, who was observed on Sunday handing out candy to children.

“Convicted child sexual predators know they are strictly prohibited from nearly every activity involving children," Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said after the arrest.

"Our team works tirelessly to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable, and this is another example of their outstanding dedication," Idleburg said.

Esparza now faces charges of unlawful participation in a holiday event involving minors, according to the sheriff's office.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office representatives have also announced continued patrols and registry checks throughout Halloween to ensure compliance with state laws designed to protect minors.