Ministry Statement On Sex Offender Devaun Cox
The Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Ministry of National Security addressed public concerns over sex offender Devaun Cox, noting that he was recently remanded in custody.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Legal Affairs and Ministry of National Security remain committed to addressing the concerns raised by residents regarding the recent release of repeat sex offender Devaun Cox.”
Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said, “We understand the apprehension expressed by residents regarding the release of Devaun Cox. I share the public’s concerns for their safety. It’s important to note that Mr. Devaun Cox served his sentence and is now under probationary supervision for 18 months, as mandated by the Courts. Stringent measures were implemented to ensure strict adherence to all necessary protocols during the period of his release. In exercising due diligence, today [January 9] he was remanded in custody.”
Minister Weeks added, “This offender received a 12-month sentence in late December 2023, and accounting for time spent in custody, was released this month. The Commissioner of Corrections acknowledges that short sentences present challenges in conducting the assessments required for a comprehensive report to be prepared and provided to the Minister of Legal Affairs with a recommendation regarding public notification.”
The Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Kathy Lynn Simmons stated, “We are resolute in our commitment to safeguarding the well-being and security of the public. Adhering to the established protocol for public notifications, the Ministry of Legal Affairs remains steadfast in our commitment to issue notifications, where appropriate, as has been our practice since 2018. The protocol, as outlined in section 329H of the Criminal Code 1907, empowers the Minister of Legal Affairs to disclose information about sex offenders deemed to pose a risk of significant harm to the health or safety of the public, an affected group, or an individual.”
“In exercising this authority,” Minister Simmons continues, “and after consulting with the Commissioner of Police and Commissioner of Corrections, the Minister may determine that the public should be duly informed of the impending release of a sex offender.”
