Sex offender jailed for volunteering at Superior school, church

A convicted sex offender will spend nine months in jail for working with children at a Superior school and church.

Michael Ira Burns, 31, of Superior pleaded no contest last week in Douglas County Circuit Court to felony charges of child sex offender working with children, sex offender-failure to update information and false swearing. An additional count of child sex offender working with children was dismissed, but read in for sentencing. Charges that he identified himself incorrectly and obstructed an officer were dismissed.

Burns was sentenced to five years of probation and nine months in jail. Huber release was granted for work and treatment. Burns must also undergo a sex offender evaluation and follow recommendations, supply a DNA sample and comply with sex offender rules and regulations.

Burns was convicted of second-degree sexual assault of a child in Washburn County Circuit Court in 1998. A count of first-degree sexual assault of a child was dismissed but read in for sentencing. At the time of the assault, he was 17 and the victim was 12, according to the criminal complaint. Under his sex offender accountability program, he is prohibited from working or volunteering in a position that requires him to work with children younger than 16.

Burns volunteered to help with an event at a Superior elementary school in November 2011. Along with collecting donations and decorating, he also worked in the kitchen during the party, serving hot dogs and juice to children.

Superior police also found Burns had given false information about internet use to the Department of Corrections.

In addition, Burns admitted that he lied in court and on the birth certificates of two children, claiming to be their biological father when he was not.

Burns also volunteered at a church clothes closet in Superior that provides clothing for children up to age 14 until the church pastor realized Burns was a sex offender.

Tags: news, crime, superior