Convicted sex offender-child killer out of prison

GARY, Ind. (WLS) -- Convicted child killer and sex offender Richard Dobeski has been released from jail in Northwest Indiana after serving his sentence, and though he's not wanted for any crime police want the public to know he is free.

The Lake County Sheriff says Dobeski is in Gary, Ind., and will register with a homeless shelter for his address. While police emphasize he is not currently wanted for any crime, his violent past means it is likely only a matter of time before he strikes again.

Dobeski has 10 days to register as a sex offender or a warrant will be issued for his arrest.

"He committed a double homicide about 50 years ago," says Lieutenant Todd Bullis of Long Beach Police.

Dobeski served 40 years for two brutal murders in Long Beach, Ind., in 1964. His victims were 6- and 3-year-old siblings.

"I thought he would be incarcerated for the rest of his life for murdering two young children," says Larry Livinghouse, resident of Long Beach.

Originally, Long Beach police say, Dobeski was given consecutive life sentences but his sentence was reduced to a 40-year term on appeal in the 1980s.

Dobeski was released in 2003 and five years later he was convicted for child molestation and possession of child pornography.

"He is not capable of maybe being in society without conducting another sex act," says Lt. Bullis.

Dobeski was released Thursday, July 16. Long Beach police say his release date had been set for Sept. 1, 2015.

Law enforcement throughout Northwest Indiana used social media to track him and share his whereabouts with the public.

If Dobeski does not register as a sex offender within the required 10-day time frame, police say they can and will go after him.