The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) will hold a community meeting on Monday, April 14, 7–8:30 p.m. at Matthews Park Community Center, 2318 28th Ave. S., to inform the public of a Level 3 sex offender that has moved into the neighborhood.

Rondell James Soward, 32, has notified the MPD that he has taken up residence on the 2400 block of 26th Avenue South. Soward is described as an African American male, 6 foot 1 inch tall, 160 pounds, with a medium build, brown eyes and a light brown complexion.

Soward was convicted in 1996 of having sexual contact with a 17-year-old girl while he was in the process of burglarizing her apartment, according to a release from the MPD.

The April 14 meeting is intended to provide information about the offender, the notification process and the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) website, which gives more information about sex offenders, registration and notification.

While Level 3 sex offenders are considered the most likely to re-offend, the MPD release states that the notification “is not intended to increase fear. It is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.” It notes, as well, that an offender may choose to live wherever he chooses.

Soward is not currently wanted by the police, nor is he under supervision, which expired in 2002. He is required to register with the state as a sex offender until 2012, and to notify authorities if he moves.

last revised: April 14, 2008

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