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Abuse Victim Fights for Homeless Sex Offenders

Woman, father were behind ordinances that forced abusers under bridge

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 12, 2009 1:41 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The homeless sex offenders who live under Miami’s infamous Julia Tuttle Causeway aren't quick to thank two of their most diligent advocates for working on their behalf. “They know who we are, and don’t like us very much,” says Lauren Book-Lim. Book-Lim was sexually abused by her nanny from age 11 through age 17, and her lobbyist father, Ron Book, helped push through the ordinances that forced many of these men from their homes.

The sex offenders, shunned and forbidden to live within 2,500 feet of a school or playground, have formed a community under the bridge. Now Book-Lim and her father are working to find legal homes for them. “Yes, they are sex offenders,” she says, “but that doesn’t mean they have to live like this.” Besides, she says, the work benefits children; desperate offenders are more likely to strike again.

The makeshift camp sex offenders call home under the Julia Tuttle Causeway in Miami on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008.
The makeshift camp sex offenders call home under the Julia Tuttle Causeway in Miami on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/David Adame)
A homeless person walks to a tent under the Julia Tuttle Causeway in Miami, Wednesday, July 22, 2009.
A homeless person walks to a tent under the Julia Tuttle Causeway in Miami, Wednesday, July 22, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
An elderly sex offender relaxes outside his tent at the makeshift camp he and other offenders call home under the Julia Tuttle Causeway in Miami, Feb. 5, 2008.
An elderly sex offender relaxes outside his tent at the makeshift camp he and other offenders call home under the Julia Tuttle Causeway in Miami, Feb. 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/David Adame)
Sex offender Juan Carlos Martin spends time at the makeshift camp he and other offenders call home under the Julia Tuttle Causeway in Miami Tuesday Feb. 5, 2008.
Sex offender Juan Carlos Martin spends time at the makeshift camp he and other offenders call home under the Julia Tuttle Causeway in Miami Tuesday Feb. 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/David Adame)
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I grew up to trying to help others. My Dad used to say, the least, the last and forgotten of our society — it's our job to take care of them. - Lauren Book-Lim

Now she is under the bridge with sex offenders. She could never do that before. She couldn't even leave the house. I am amazed at how much progress she has made. - Stephen Lim, Lauren's husband

I wouldn't consider myself advocating for them. These people harmed children, and I don't think they can dictate where they get to live. - Lauren Book-Lim

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
metalworldorder
Oct 13, 2009 12:48 PM CDT
This story cracks me up. Does the state merely think these offenders will disappear? Of course they've committed a gross offense, but obviously since they're not inside of a jail cell they've done some kind of time and were let out. And like it or not, our justice system lets you go once you've "paid your debt to society." So who are we to condemn someone once they've done that? This honestly reminds me of The Scarlet Letter. I feel for these people, I really do.
Spudsy
Oct 12, 2009 10:34 AM CDT
"Besides, she says, the work benefits children; desperate offenders are more likely to strike again." --- Desperate for what? If they are desperate for an apartment they are more likely to molest again? That makes no sense. When they molest they are desperate for sex or power.
kyleleitch
Oct 12, 2009 9:44 AM CDT
Jayster, no one deserves homelessness. Your type sit on your high horses and complain about the deficit and national debt. Giving homeless people a place to live keeps them off the streets, helps keep disease and drug use lowered, and can often times (when done correctly with enough follow up) help homeless people become responsible and productive members of society, just like you and me. Saying that all sex offenders are child molesters is ignorant on your part and just goes to show exactly how deep the hole you spend your time in really is.

 
Miami • sex offenders • homeless • homeless encampment • pedophilia • homeless shelter • Lauren Book-Lim • Ron Book • Julia Tuttle Causeway

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