Return of sex offender triggers RCMP warning

The mayor of Oliver says he's very concerned that a high-risk sex offender is now living in his community in B.C.'s Okanagan Valley.

In a public warning issued over the weekend, the RCMP said Ronald Arthur Teneycke is "highly dangerous to the public" and there is a high risk he will commit a violent sexual assault against a female.

Teneycke, 44, was released from a federal prison in Saskatchewan in January after serving a 12-year sentencefor sexual assault with a weapon, forcible confinement and uttering threats.

While in prison he was convicted of a second offence of uttering threats against a probation officer.

Teneycke had raped a teenage girl in Okanagan Falls— 21 kilometres from Oliver — in the early 1990s.

He moved back to the area over the weekend, prompting the RCMP's publicwarning.

Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes saidtherelease from police is alarming.

"The first concern is the strong wording in the press release. It's very strong. It's almost like, not if, but when. And the second thing is the relocating of him in communities or in areaswhere [his] crimes have been committed. You know, it's sure to traumatize people."

Hovanes said he is planning a public meeting to discuss the issue of the unwelcome arrival.

Community'shelp requested

RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said police hope the public will help them keeps tabs on Teneycke.

"For the community itself, I think thebiggest thing is make yourself familiar with what he looks like. It's a small community.

"Rest assured, that if we were to receive a call from a citizen in Oliver or the surrounding area that Mr. Teneycke is breaching curfew time, we would be responding to that immediately. He would be arrested."

Teneycke has an 11 p.m. curfew, and cannot drink alcohol, be in a bar or possess weapons.

He has also been ordered not to have any contact with his victims, and must notify his probation officer of anyrelationship with a female.