Parents outraged that sex offender lives near 2 Massapequa elementary schools

Parents in Massapequa are outraged that a registered sex offender is living across the street from two elementary schools. Grace Day School and Saint Rose of Lima parents were notified that Thomas

News 12 Staff

Sep 12, 2014, 11:37 PM

Updated 3,734 days ago

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Parents in Massapequa are outraged that a registered sex offender is living across the street from two elementary schools.
Grace Day School and Saint Rose of Lima parents were notified that Thomas Alaimo is living across the street from the schools on Merrick Road. Alaimo was convicted in 2010 on child pornography charges and was sentenced to five years in prison, but he has since been released.
Under Megan's Law, registered sex offenders are not supposed to be able to live near schools. But in a letter sent home to parents, Grace Day School says there's nothing that can be done. The letter said that police have "explained that because of several circumstances, they cannot force the individual to move to another location."
News 12 knocked at the door at Alaimo's home today. A man who appeared to be him answered the door, but wouldn't comment. Alaimo's wife then explained that the couple has owned the home since 1999, before Megan's Law was strengthened in New York state to keep sex offenders from living near schools.
Nassau police have not yet responded to a request for comment on the issue. News 12 spoke with a representative of Parents for Megan's Law, who confirmed that in this case, the county has interpreted the law to mean that Alaimo cannot be made to move.
Parents who spoke with News 12 say it's a dangerous loophole that has them concerned.