Fort Collins police post sexually violent predator notice online

Fort Collins Police Services said Friday it is posting information about the release of one sexually violent predator into the community, citing Colorado law that requires public notification in such cases.

The city said the individual was recently released from Larimer County Jail and moved into Fort Collins jurisdiction. Police said they do not have legal authority to direct where a sex offender may live unless court restrictions apply.

According to the city's notice, the information is being made public under Colorado Revised Statutes 16-13-901 through 16-13-905. The notice also says the status and locations of sexually violent predators are posted on the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Sexual Offender Tracking and Registration websites.

The accompanying bulletin identifies the subject as Jesse Vernon Houston, born Sept. 15, 1981, and says he was convicted of attempted sexual assault by Denver District Court on May 29, 2009. It lists him as homeless in Fort Collins and says he is not on supervision. The city presentation says Houston was evaluated and recommended for sexually violent predator designation, and that the court designated him a sexually violent predator.

Police said Fort Collins has six registered sex offenders classified as sexually violent predators. The city also warned that anyone who uses the information to harass, threaten or intimidate a registered sex offender, the person's family or anyone involved in management of the offender could face criminal prosecution.