LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) – Lufkin City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday night to ban registered sex offenders – whose victims were under the age of 17 – from living within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, churches, childcare facilities, homeowner association pools, public pools, and youth rehabilitation centers.
Lufkin currently has 103 registered sex offenders living within city limits. Of those, 71 have victims under the age of 17 – they now are subject to the new residency restrictions.
City staff said protecting children is a “compelling public safety interest” and that establishing reasonable restrictions for certain offenders can help reduce risk in areas where children gather.
Under the new law, registered sex offenders with minor victims are prohibited from moving into any residence within the designated child safety zones.
However, sex offenders currently living within those restricted areas will be grandfathered in and are not required to relocate.
Penalties for violations fall on the registered sex offender – not the property owner or organization housing them. Offenders found residing within a restricted zone could face citation.
Godtel Ministries directly impacted
One organization caught squarely in the new law’s boundaries is Godtel Ministries, a homeless mission located near the Lufkin Parks and Recreation Department.
Martin Baker, Godtel’s president and executive director, spoke at both council hearings, arguing the ordinance would directly impact their ministry’s ability to house sex offenders.
“As a homeless mission, we are focused on sharing the gospel of Christ with everyone that comes to us for help, including sex offenders,” Baker said. “It is our policy to allow sex offenders in all centers to be residents as long as they fulfill all their legal requirements and go by our rules.”
Baker said Godtel has housed 65 sex offenders since 1992, with 19 residing at the Lufkin location since 2023. He requested an exemption for the ministry, which council ultimately did not approve.
The lone dissenting vote
Ward 5 Councilman Jimmy Ford cast the only vote against the ordinance, pushing for an exemption specifically for Godtel Ministries. Ford told council he had been informed that Lufkin police encourage people to seek shelter at Godtel.
“I like the sex offender ordinance. I just feel like there should be an exception,” Ford said.
Ford also asked Assistant Chief Nick Malone directly whether there had been any known incidents involving sex offenders at Godtel. Malone said he would need to review reports and data before providing an accurate answer.
Ward 1 Councilwoman Angela Hobbs-Spencer questioned whether the ordinance should be expanded to cover all registered sex offenders – not just those with minor victims.
City Attorney Kristi Skillern said broadening the ordinance that far could raise constitutional concerns based on what other cities have done, but noted council could amend the ordinance at any time.
On the question of a Godtel exemption, Skillern warned against singling out one organization.
“It could face some legal challenges if you were to exempt Godtel only, for example, and not every single one – and then our map no longer protects the safety of the children that we were intending to protect,” Skillern said.
What’s next
The ordinance goes into effect approximately 10 business days after the city secretary completes the required paperwork. Council can amend the ordinance in the future if additional changes are needed.
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