JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A rapist and murder just released from 20 years in prison has settled in Jacksonville, and authorities in South Florida called a news conference to warn people that they believe he is still dangerous.
Raymond Berry, 55, was convicted of the rape and murder of an antique-shop owner in West Palm Beach in 1984. He also served time for an armed robbery in Duval County in 1975 and an aggravated battery in Volusia County in 1979.
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His first criminal conviction on file was for a rape in Daytona Beach in 1968, when he was only 17.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and West Palm Beach Police Department say Berry is a serial rapist and remains a danger to the community. They want the public to know about him and his record -- something they said they have never done in the case of a prisoner who has served his sentence.
"I feel, personally and professionally, that he will rape. I feel there is a significant probability that he will murder," Capt. Laurie VanDeusen of the West Palm Beach Police Department said. "We want to do our best to ensure that the public is aware of him."
Channel 4's Jim Piggott found Berry at home Wednesday. Berry said he's changed his ways, and people should not be afraid of him.
"Before you pass judgement on me, look at what I am now," Berry said. "I am not a predator, not a rapist. I appreciate the consideration. I have a nice little house here and I don't plan on being destroyed."
Berry was released after serving 20 years of a 40-year sentence. He is not on probation, but remains listed as a sexual offender on the state's sexual offender Web site.
Prosecutors tried to have Berry retained in custody under the Jimmy Ryce Act, but that request was denied.
"(We) have grave concerns ... for those he may contact with in and around the areas in which he resides, or travels or works. We feel he is a significant danger to the community," VanDeusen said. "Don't be sucked into his smooth M.O. Be cautious if he's your neighbor. Be cautious if he comes into your business. He's a danger."
"He is a lot smarter and wiser because he learned from his mistake he made in his previous cases," Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Sgt. William Springer said.
Berry said he has put his past life behind him and just wants to go on with his life.
"What you need to know, I am going to church now and I am doing the right thing," Berry said. "I don't need no hassle. All that red devil is behind me. I am trying to do the right thing and learning how to react to the populate ... the outside world."
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said they are aware of Berry, but lacking any warrant or active investigation of him, they had no comment.