Edmonton police warn public about sex offender they say ‘poses a risk of significant harm’

The Edmonton Police Service is warning the public about a man they say is a sex offender and who will be living in Alberta’s capital.

On Monday afternoon, police said Richard Overton, 36, “poses a risk of significant harm to the community, particularly to teenaged girls and young women.”

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Police said they made the decision to release details about Overton, as well as a photo of him, because they believe the public’s right to know outweighs any privacy concerns of doing so.

They also said they are seeking a recognizance order on Overton and said he would be “closely monitored” by their Behavioral Assessment Unit.

Police also said they were only making the public aware of Overton so people could take “precautionary measures” and warned against vigilantism.

Overton is described as being 5’11” and 160 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair.