Relocation of registered sex offender in Spooner

The Washburn County Sheriff’s Department is notifying the public that a registered sex offender is relocating to the 8000 block of Fox Road in Spooner, Wisconsin. Authorities released a message on the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page stating Gary Walton will be moving to the area on August 28.

Walton is 61 years of age. He is 5’7″ tall and 286 pounds. He has blue eyes and gray hair. According to the report, Walton remains under the close supervision of local Probation Agents and he has to follow specific rules provided by the Department of Corrections. This includes no unsupervised contact with minors, no contact with victims, no alcohol or entering liquor establishments, and no illegal narcotics. He must remain registered with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registration Program.

The decision to notify the Washburn County community was made by a core team that reviews Special Sex Offender Bulletin notifications forwarded by the Department of Corrections.

Authorities notify the public, not to increase fear, rather to inform. In 1997, ACT 440 was passed that enabled law enforcement to share information with the community.