High-risk sex offender to be released in Winnipeg

City police issued a public warning Friday about the release of a convicted sex offender who is expected to live in Winnipeg.

Marinus Willemse, 59, was released from custody Thursday. He is considered a high risk to reoffend in a sexual or sexually violent manner against women, boys and girls, WPS said in a news release.

The release included a lengthy accounting of Willemse’s criminal history, which dates back to 1989 when he received a 10-year sentence for robbery, kidnapping and sexual assault with a weapon.

In 2001, he was sentenced to 20 years in custody for a 1999 crime spree that saw him lure and expose himself to two young girls and then threaten to kill another child with a knife. Three days later, he robbed a video store, tying up a lone female clerk and threatening to shoot her.

Throughout his life, Willemse has served three federal sentences and each time he has be rearrested within one month, WPS said.

Among other conditions, he is prohibited from attending public parks and swimming areas where youth are present. He cannot work or volunteer with children.