Illinois sex offender handed out candy, South Roxana police said

SOUTH ROXANA — Authorities have charged a convicted Illinois sex offender who they say they caught passing out candy to children on Halloween.

Terry Heltsley of South Roxana is being held on $30,000 bond after being charged with a felony count of presence within a school zone by a child sex offender.

South Roxana Police Chief Bob Coles said his department and the Roxana Police Department partnered to conduct surveillance of the homes of child sex offenders on Halloween night. He says they found Heltsley's house decorated for Halloween and with his porch light on to invite children to ask for candy.

Heltsley was convicted of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl 14 years ago and was required to register as a sexual predator. Online court records didn't indicate an attorney.