Sheriff’s letter says sex offenders can’t attend church

The sheriff of Graham County in western North Carolina has written sex offenders in the county, saying they may not attend church services because state law requires them to stay away from day-care centers and schools.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reported the Feb. 17 letter was written by Sheriff Danny Millsaps. The letter invited sex offenders to attend services at the county jail.

“I understand I can’t keep them from going to church,” the sheriff later told the newspaper. “That may have been misunderstood. I'll be the first one to say I might have made mistakes in the wording of that letter.” He said he understands the Constitution gives everyone the right to religious freedom. Associated Press

This story was originally published March 8, 2015 at 9:01 PM with the headline "Sheriff’s letter says sex offenders can’t attend church."