A registered sex offender has been arrested after being found on the campus of a local school in the Deer Lakes School District. Mark Campbell, a known sex offender, was spotted by a school officer walking along the front sidewalk of the high school during dismissal. Authorities immediately intervened, arresting Campbell on school grounds.
Parents were shocked when they received an alert from the district about the arrest. Shannon Waldschmidt, a parent of two students at the school, expressed concern upon learning that Campbell is a lifetime offender under Megan’s Law and is on federal probation for life.
Waldschmidt’s initial concern was for her young daughters, who attend school on the same campus. “My first thought is what the heck is he thinking, knowing that he is legally not permitted near school grounds,” she said.
The criminal complaint revealed that Campbell had multiple encounters with law enforcement earlier in February, including an incident where he allegedly followed a teen home from school and peered into his windows.
The Deer Lakes School District assured parents that Campbell never entered any school buildings and had no contact with students or staff.
Parents are relieved that law enforcement responded quickly to apprehend Campbell, with Waldschmidt praising the police for preventing any potential harm. Campbell is now facing charges of harassment and trespassing.
