Crosby police to notify residents of predatory offender in Ironton

CROSBY - A Level 3 predatory offender is living in Ironton and the Crosby Police Department plans an Oct. 14 meeting to provide more information to residents.

The Crosby Police Department reported it will have a Level 3 predatory offender public notification presentation at 5 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Crosby-Ironton High School's Mayberry Auditorium.

Minnesota law requires that community notification meetings occur when a Level 3 predatory offender moves into a local jurisdiction. While the law does not prevent these people from moving or living in any particular area, it does allow local residents to be aware of it so they can take steps to safeguard themselves.

The predatory offender is identified as Eugene Allen Wgeishofski, age 54, who now lives on Seventh Avenue in Ironton. Wgeishofski is described as a white male with a medium build who is 6-feet tall and 175 pounds with brown eyes and gray hair.

According to the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Wgeishofski has a history of sexual contact, including fondling and penetration, with female victims age 15 to adult. The DOC reported Wgeishofski was not known to his victims. He gained access to victims by breaking into a home, picking up victims who were hitchhiking and forcing victims into a vehicle, the DOC reported. Wgeishofski used physical force and/or weapons to gain compliance from his victims.

Capt. Rick Koop, Crosby Police Department, reported Wgeishofski was convicted in the state of Washington with an offense in Snohomish County and was just rated a Level 3 offender in Minnesota.

Koop stated more information about Wgeishofski will be presented at the Oct. 14 public meeting.

Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Corrections, the Crosby Police Department, Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department and other agencies will be present to answer questions and provide pertinent information.

Predatory offender levels range from Level 1 offenders who are considered a minor risk up to Level 3, which means the person is the most likely to reoffend.