Sex Offender Arrested While Working a County Fair
Ronald McGwin and three managers of Tip Top Shows were arrested on Sunday, August 3, 2008. Tip Top Shows is a company that runs the midways and carnival booths at fairs. The managers who were arrested allegedly hid the identity of McGwin in order to allow him to work the fair.
All employees were to have background checks. When they were completed, three employees showed up with prior sex arrests and were not allowed to work the fair; however, McGwin was not listed among them.
It was only after a customer at the fair found a Florida identification for McGwin and gave it to authorities that suspicions arose. It was discovered that McGwin was a registered sex offender who also has active warrants from Illinois for burglary and disorderly conduct. The identification showed that McGwin lived in Florida, but the sex offender registry shows him as coming from Illinois. It was later proven that the identification was his brother's and not his.
Apparently, the three managers provided a fake name for McGwin because he was a good employee for them. They are all being charged with obstruction of justice, and authorities in Wisconsin are investigating whether or not they can charge McGwin with failure to register as a sex offender.
Calls to Tip Top Shows went unanswered.
All employees were to have background checks. When they were completed, three employees showed up with prior sex arrests and were not allowed to work the fair; however, McGwin was not listed among them.
It was only after a customer at the fair found a Florida identification for McGwin and gave it to authorities that suspicions arose. It was discovered that McGwin was a registered sex offender who also has active warrants from Illinois for burglary and disorderly conduct. The identification showed that McGwin lived in Florida, but the sex offender registry shows him as coming from Illinois. It was later proven that the identification was his brother's and not his.
Apparently, the three managers provided a fake name for McGwin because he was a good employee for them. They are all being charged with obstruction of justice, and authorities in Wisconsin are investigating whether or not they can charge McGwin with failure to register as a sex offender.
Calls to Tip Top Shows went unanswered.
Labels: background checks, carnival worker, employee background checks
posted by JenWiehl at 10:29 AM
8 Comments:
This is why I never trust carnies!!!
I'm sure he just really, really likes the fair atmosphere. I really don't think that he wants to work there just because it's a gathering place for small children. Oh wait, he's a sex offender? Take that back.
It is unfortunate that one of the most anticipated summer events in most states, are state fairs. What are we to do if these companies knowingly allow sex offenders to be surrounded by children of all ages? I guess it is up to us to be very aware of the individuals who are around our kids. Like in the story it was not until a concerned individual did some investigating that the charges were found. Be aware, be very aware!!
Good employee or not, lying about your identity to cover up the past is not a good plan.
Good grief! Of all the places for a sex offender to work, a fair is one of the worst. I'm glad the police are charging the managers for hiding the guys identity. They deserve for prison time for that.
My typical take on the midway: Ew, gross.
My new take on the midway: No way.
How utterly irresponsible.
Admission to the county fair? $7
Cotton Candy? $4
Finding out you just hired a registered sex offender to work around small children in a circus esque setting? PRICELESS.
in response to "dbp":
My typical take on the midway: Ew, gross.
My new take on the midway: Ew, gross.
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