Police: West Islip Sex Offender Must Move Within 45 Days

The Suffolk Police have given notice to a Level 3 sex offender living in West Islip that he must relocate within 45 days.

Police say Douglas Oates, who now lives on Higbie Lane, must notify police of his new address which will then be posted on the state registry service.

According to a state crime database, there are five registered sex offenders residing in West Islip.

Local residents protested about Oates residency as it was across the street from the former Westbrook Elementary School which now houses a dance school and also a learning center for young children.

Yesterday West Islip School Superintendent Dr. Bernadette Burns released a letter to parents on the district’s website regarding a high-risk, Level 3 sex offender living on Higbie Lane and asked parents to talk to students about safety measures and safe behavior.

“While West Islip is a safe community, when information such as this is received, we must take the opportunity to review safety rules with our children and remind them to be alert and careful so they will avoid situations that could place them in harm’s way,” states the letter.

According to a state criminal justice database Oates was convicted for sexual abuse in the first degree in March 1999.