Possessing Maxim Magazine Results in Jail Time for Sex Offender
FLORIDA – Add Maxim magazine, provocative posters, sexy calendars, copies of the Kama Sutra, and other variations of “sexually stimulating” fare to the list of items forbidden to released sex offenders still under probation.A 23-year-old Miami man on probation, after serving jail time for sexual battery of a mentally disabled relative, recently served an additional six days in jail, before a judge ordered his release, after a search of his home turned up a sexy calendar, poster, and issues of the popular non-nude men’s magazine Maxim – all which were deemed to be in violation of his probation, due to their “sexually stimulating” nature.
The man’s lawyer pointed out that Maxim contains no nudity and does not depict sex acts.
“This is beyond schoolmarmish here,” attorney Mel Black observed. “It’s really mind-blowing.”
Next month, a circuit judge will determine whether or not the man’s probation should be revoked or extended. Additionally, she will rule on the status of the magazines, calendar, and poster.
Other Floridians on parole are facing similar situations.
In one case, a married man on probation for lewd assault on two teenagers was arrested for alleged violations when it was discovered that his wife’s copy of the Kama Sutra was in a drawer next to their bed. A probation complaint on the matter was dismissed.
According to statements from the Florida Department of Corrections, it is enforcing existing court orders as part of its “zero tolerance” policy prohibiting any sexually stimulating materials. Enforcement has been stepped up after the March and May murders of Jessica Lunsford and Sarah Lunde, crimes believed to have been committed by convicted sex offenders out on probation. Any materials that probation or police officers feel are questionable will result in arrest, with ultimate decisions being handed down by the courts.