Those convicted or who plead guilty to sex offenses, including rape and sexual assualt, must register with the state. But registered sex offenders still are eligible under Illinois law to hold a professional license, as overseen by Daniel Bluthardt, the state's Director of Professional Regulation (Fox Chicago).
Only massage therapists face revocation of their license when they register as sex offenders. But critics say sex offenders with other professional licenses, including a realtor who pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography last year should face tighter scrutiny.
Bluthardt matched the database of licensed Illinois professionals with the names of registered sex offenders. He told reporters he found about 600, including nurses, security guards and even some massage therapists.
"What we're shooting for is to try to make sure that our licensees, that somebody who has a license granted by the state, has the integrity to keep that license."
Members of a panel that oversees professional licensing expressed concern that people like the sex offender and realtor mentioned above, for example, have access to empty homes and other privileges that could aid in the commission of new crimes.
In order to protect the public while complying with Illinois law, however, the state is trying to revoke the licenses of sex offenders in other professions, "claiming they behaved in an unprofessional manner or concealed a felony conviction."
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