LISBON – About 75 residents filled the town office meeting room Wednesday night to learn that convicted sex offender Langdon Green can’t be forced to leave town unless he violates his probation.

Police Chief David Brooks handed out copies of a flyer that was distributed to Summer Street residents with a picture of Green, along with two additional flyers of eight other convicted sex offenders living in the town.

He also handed out copies of a proposed bill to strengthen and “improve community safety and sex offender accountability” that was not enacted by the Legislature this past session.

It was suggested that people should contact their legislators about taking steps to consider the legislation again at the next session in December.

A Summer Street resident also provided copies of laws that other states have enacted to restrict the distance where convicted sex offenders on probation can live and work in relation to schools, playgrounds and day care centers. Parents agreed new laws are needed to protect children from predators and pledged to work toward that end.

Mike Simoneau, Green’s probation officer, David Cyr from the Maine Department of Corrections and Paula Robinson from the Sexual Assault Crisis Center, along with Lisbon Juvenile Officer Bernard McAllister and Brooks fielded questions on sexual predators, probation laws, and how and why the 49-year-old Green was able to move into their neighborhood.

They were again told the town can’t prevent convicted offenders from moving in, and that as long as he doesn’t violate his probation nothing can be done.

Simoneau said Green moved to 149 Summer St. from Lyman two weeks ago to a home owned by his sister. He confirmed that Green has been fired from his job due to the publicity. “I will see Mr. Green tomorrow and speak with him about employment.”

Green will be on probation until July 2006.

When asked why he was listed as a “violent predator,” Simoneau said it was “only because the victim was under 14.” He said Green was “always going to be attracted to young boys,” but that tests showed him to be a low to moderate risk.

Parents were told that their best protection is to talk “a lot” with their children, know where they are and who they are with.