9 Investigates discovered that among the thousands of families and students who live near the University of Central Florida, one neighborhood is home to a group of sex offenders.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website, at least seven sex offenders live in an area across the street from the campus. It's a neighborhood of off-campus housing and fraternity housing.
"I didn't think they would be allowed. It's a little bit terrifying," UCF student Beatrice Adelufo said.
Nothing in the law prevents sex offenders from living among college students.
Danny Banks, of the FDLE, has dealt with sex offenders for years. He advises students and parents to do their homework.
"Go on the database and look. Just to be informed as to who are the registered sex offenders that are living around you or living around the area where you are going to be putting your child in school," Banks said.
Up until June, sex offender Jameel Abrams, 20, lived at The Marquee, a student housing complex across from the university. He was evicted when a new group took over the facility, citing its strict policy prohibiting sex offenders.
Only one sex offender who lives in the area agreed to talk with Channel 9, though he did not want to be identified.
"It's got nothing to do with the students of the university. It's basically trying to find a place to live with the restrictions they put on sexual predators and sexual offenders," he said.
He said the apartment was the only place he could afford.
He said he feels he has paid his dues, saying the majority of offenders do not pose a threat.
"Someone saying they did their time, what happened the first time?" UCF student Adrian Cordez said.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website, at least seven sex offenders live in an area across the street from the campus. It's a neighborhood of off-campus housing and fraternity housing.
"I didn't think they would be allowed. It's a little bit terrifying," UCF student Beatrice Adelufo said.
Nothing in the law prevents sex offenders from living among college students.
Danny Banks, of the FDLE, has dealt with sex offenders for years. He advises students and parents to do their homework.
"Go on the database and look. Just to be informed as to who are the registered sex offenders that are living around you or living around the area where you are going to be putting your child in school," Banks said.
Up until June, sex offender Jameel Abrams, 20, lived at The Marquee, a student housing complex across from the university. He was evicted when a new group took over the facility, citing its strict policy prohibiting sex offenders.
Only one sex offender who lives in the area agreed to talk with Channel 9, though he did not want to be identified.
"It's got nothing to do with the students of the university. It's basically trying to find a place to live with the restrictions they put on sexual predators and sexual offenders," he said.
He said the apartment was the only place he could afford.
He said he feels he has paid his dues, saying the majority of offenders do not pose a threat.
"Someone saying they did their time, what happened the first time?" UCF student Adrian Cordez said.
WFTV
