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"Parolees who are assigned to the Ben Reid Center, and who again have
already completed their criminal sentences, may receive authorization
from their respective state parole officers to conduct community
activities during the day, such as job searches and other community
programs. These authorizations are reviewed and approved by individual
state parole officers. The Center provides temporary housing and
transitional services and does not determine which parolees are assigned
to the Center. When parolees abscond from the Reid Center, authorities
are immediately notified pursuant to the Center's contractual
requirements."
Missing sex offender added to Most Wanted list
HOUSTON
It's been nearly 24 hours since Timothy Rosales, Jr. disappeared from the halfway house and he is no where to be found. The Texas Department of Public Safety has since added him to it's Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list.
Rosales was doing maintenance work in the lobby of the Reid Center on Beaumont Highway around 6:15pm Monday when he bolted through the front door, cut off his electronic monitoring device around his ankle and fled. Rosales then did not report back to his parole officer and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Across the street at Melba's Country Kitchen, the owner and her staff had no idea he'd absconded until today. Melba Barfield says she has no reservations being this close to a halfway house where offenders can leave, so long as they have an approved schedule.
"I've been here nine years and I've had absolutely no problems from the guys at the halfway house. I know that several have walked away but they haven't stopped here to get my dollar," said Barfield.
Rosales had been under electronic monitoring at the Reid Center since he was released from prison in 2007. The 39-year-old was originally convicted of two aggravated sexual assaults in Potter County in 1987 and is now wanted on felony civil commitment and parole violation charges. Rosales was sentenced to 25 years in April 1988 and was released on mandatory supervision in 2007.
Maria Rojas lives in a neighborhood about two miles from the halfway house and she says it's scary to hear about an escape. She has 10 grand kids and they are always with her.
The TDCJ has a contract with the Reid Facility. According to TDCJ spokesperson Jason Clark, Rosales began residing at Reid on April 16, 2009. Clark says the Reid Facility is not a secure correctional facility, but a halfway house. He added that offenders can leave the facility, but must have an approved schedule.
Pablo Paez, VP Corporate Relations for the GEO Group, released a statement saying: