TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- A Tallahassee man charged with sexual offenses in 2014 was back in court Thursday morning.
George Schwender was charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under the age of 12. He bonded out and was released from jail Thursday afternoon.
He's been working as a resident manager for CARE Tallahassee, a faith-based organization that helps sex offenders reintegrate with society.
Founder Bob Rumbley said Schwender came to CARE when he was charged about three years ago. Rumbley said Schwender worked his way up to a management role, because of his good relationship with parole officers and the offenders.
Rumbley said this situation is another case of sex offenders fighting the legal system long after they've been charged.
Police arrested Schwender Wednesday night at CARE. Rumbley heard the news while attending a church service.
"We were just, 'For what?' It was horrible, and the men were very shaken as well," Rumbley said.
WTXL interviewed Schwender as part of an "Insiders" report in August 2016, shedding light on the struggles of sex offenders.
"When they first get here, they don't have clothes," Schwender said in the report. "They don't have bedding, they don't have hygiene, they don't have anything."
Rumbley wouldn't go into detail but said Schwender's case is based on little evidence.
"Once those charges are alleged, the state is required to formally charge an individual with the offense, and that's what happened to George," he said.
According to Rumbley, Schwender was re-arrested after a judge wasn't notified about bail for an upgraded charge in his case. Rumbley said the case has taken a long time.
"Postponed and postponed. Several different prosecutors have had the case, state prosecuting attorneys -- as well as his attorney," he said. "I think we've had three different judges on the case."
As the "Insiders" report detailed, sex offenders often face barriers when trying to get a job or find a place to stay.
"Once they're tagged, even though they've been through the DOC system, they've paid their price for their crime, but our society is pretty relentless on people that have this particular charge," Rumbley said.
WTXL is waiting to hear back from the state prosecutor in this case. Schwender will go through a series of hearings to determine whether or not the case will be dropped.
