He pleaded no contest to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl a week and a half ago. The crime took place in 2009. Monday, John Timko was free to walk the streets.
However, that has not kept parents of the victim from taking matters into their own hands.
Fliers were taped up in the area just to the South of the Field Club Neighborhood. They warn neighbors about the actions of Timko. Stating he’s not in jail nor is he registered as a sex offender.
The Douglas County Attorney’s Office says Timko doesn’t have to, at least not until the sentencing six weeks from Tuesday.
The ghouls and ghosts hung amongst the cob webs at Keri Rethmeier's house near the Field Club Neighborhood serve as a sign Halloween is just five weeks away. Amongst the decorations in and on her home, there was another sign posted across the street.
Rethmeier, a mother of three, said she watched as a couple hung the fliers earlier in the month. “They were hanging signs to warn everyone that there is a man walking free and this man raped their daughter two years ago,” Rethmeier said.
Rethmeier said it was troubling to know that Timko pleaded no contest to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl but he's still able to be free after posting bond last month.
"The bond was increased to $100,000; he was still able to post that 10% which is required, which is still a significant bond,” Brenda Beadle said. Beadle, Deputy Douglas County Attorney said that's the way the law works.
Timko posted the required bond set by Judge Gregory Shatz, who told Beadle, Timko was not a threat to flee the area. He has also shown up for court.
Now, Timko will wait until sentencing before he is required to register as a sex offender. "At that time, a pre-sentence investigation will have been conducted and it's at that time. After the sentencing has been imposed, he (Timko) would be required to register as a sex offender,” Beadle said. The only way Timko could be taken off the streets before sentencing, Beadle said, would be if Judge Schatz revoked Timko’s bond.
Until then, Rethmeier said all signs point to more awareness about the situation. "I've noticed several people stopping by and looking at the signs and shaking their heads. I know people will be on the look out for any unusual activity,” Rethmeier said.
