The Hoboken Cafe 

An old neighbor moved to Hoboken a while back, and then got arrested and convicted for a particularly distasteful crime (stalking little boys for sex on the internet). Needless to say, we (back home) were all stunned. Sad to say, this thing isn't "unusual enough" to get nationwide attention - if there is any news on the case, would anybody be interested in scanning and sending or even faxing it to us? Thanks! (his name was Steven Shriner, and might be in any headline)

I didn't know we were playing smear the queer.

Not "smear the queer" or anything LIKE that - just knew this guy (we think) in Chicago, and thought an article that maybe had a picture of him would let us know (definitely) if it's the same guy - sure didn't mean to offend!

Not "smear the queer" at all, actually - more wonder and concern at what became of an old neighbor, and looking for information/insight - fair enough?

I suggest there is a good deal of difference between a "queer" and someone who stalks little boys for sex on the internet (I am assuming thse little boys were under the age of consent).

However, there is also the question of paying a debt to society for a crime committed and if this person has done so (whether a lay-person agrees with the form or length of payment is another matter) then he should be free to live his life without being stalked himself.

I don't know how it works in the US but in the UK he would be on a Sex Offenders register and known to the local police (though the system has huge flaws it has to be better than mob rule).

I don't know if the writer of the original thread had some familial involvement with this individual (by that I mean his own child/children were affected) and I do hope not.

No, no "involvement" with children of mine (or of anyone I know personally) - DO know, however, that this individual made "remarks" (about very young boys) in a place of business that DID offend - still, one assumed that those comments were made to shock only, and it is sobering to realize they actually foreshadowed.