The state of Arkansas is preparing to release a sex offender who has promised to “rape the first woman he sees” so he can go back to prison.
John West, 38, was convicted of raping a four-year-old in 1996. Medical records show physical evidence of sexual contact, according to authorities.
West was arrested again in April for disorderly conduct while he was living homeless and was subsequently evaluated at a hospital in Little Rock.
The Hempstead County, Arkansas, sheriff’s office posted a Facebook notice warning citizens of his impending release. (RELATED: Registered Sex Offender Arrested In California)
“West apparently suffers from mental illness and is stable while on medication,” Sheriff James Singleton wrote. “He is telling the hospital personnel that he will not stay on his medication when he walks out of the hospital.”
Singleton also said that West told hospital employees that he was having hallucinations that told him to rape a woman. West also reportedly told hospital staff that he plans to “rape the first woman he sees.”
West has listed his address as homeless but will be released into Hempstead’s general population, which is located within the jurisdiction of Hope, Arkansas. (RELATED: Boy Scouts Of America Wants A Suspected Sex Offender Registry For ‘Youth Serving’ Organizations To Share)
West is registered “Level 3 Offender,” which means that he is a high-risk offender. Singleton urged citizens to steer clear of West and call 911 if he approaches them.
“This notice is provided to the Citizens of Hempstead County out of a concern for the safety for the citizens,” Singleton said. “Please use caution if this person approaches you, Call 911 immediately and report whereabouts. Please do not approach.”