High Risk Sex Offender Moves Into Newport

A Level 3 sex offender has moved into Newport, according to the Newport Police Department.  Francis W. Mello, 64, of 249 Connell Hwy., was convicted of first and second degree child molestation. 

The risk level of this offender has been determined based largely on his potential to re-offense.

The Newport Police is releasing the following information pursuant to RI General Laws 11-37.1-1, also known as the Sexual Offender Registration and Community Notification Act. This individual is subject to community
notification of his pending release pursuant to RI General Laws 11-37.1-12 of the Act, which authorizes law enforcement agencies to inform the public of a sex offender’s release from prison when the Sex Offender Board of Review determines that the release of information will enhance public safety and protection.

This offender is not wanted by the police at this time and has served the sentence imposed on him by the court. This notification is not to increase fear in the community. It is the belief of law enforcement that an informed public is a safe public.

No agency, including any Law Enforcement Agency or any state agency, may direct where the offender does or does not reside, nor can these agencies direct where he works or goes to school.

Sex offenders have always lived in our communities; but it was not until passage of the Sexual Offender Registration and Community Notification Act that law enforcement even knew where they were living.

Abuse of this information to threaten, intimidate or harass registered offenders will not be tolerated and may be a crime. Further, such abuse could potentially end law enforcement's ability to do community notifications.