Sex Offender Living Next To School… Legally

YUBA CITY, Calif. (CBS13) -- Parole agents say a Yuba City sex offender who lives next door to an elementary school is not residing there illegally and can't be forced to leave through Megan's Law, but some parents are happy to hear he might be forced out for another reason.

Even though Norman Winston, 75, was convicted 20 years ago of sexually assaulting a child and is listed on the Megan's Law website, his home still backs up to Tierra Buena Elementary School.

Winston's wife, Carol, said they have lived next to the school for 10 years without incident.

"He's a wonderful husband. He's a hard worker," Carol said. "Nobody has ever tried to hide it. My family all knows about it."

Valeria Strawmiere and other parents rejected that argument. "I don't like that he has a visual smorgasbord, if you will," Valeria said.

She said she was surprised to learn a sex offender was living near the school her two kids attend and fear he has easy access to children through his fence, and can watch them play without them knowing.

According to state law, Winston has every right to live near the campus, despite the passage of Jessica's Law in 2006. The law prohibits sex offenders released from prison to live within 2,000 feet of schools and parks, but Winston was released before the law passed.

The entire debate may soon be moot: The Winstons' home is being foreclosed on.

Because of pressure from school parents, the couple says they considering a move to another state.