Level 2 Predatory Offender to Be Released to Rochester

James Preston Leon has a history of sexual offenses against children and will transition to a new residence on April 7.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:53pm

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The Rochester Police Department has issued a notification that James Preston Leon, a level two predatory offender, will be moving to the 2100 block of Campus Drive Southeast on April 7, 2026. Leon has a history of repeated sexual contact against multiple known female children, including touch and penetration, using his relationships of trust to exploit unmonitored access with the victims.

Why it matters

The release of a level two predatory offender into a residential neighborhood raises concerns about public safety, especially for families with children. While Leon is considered a moderate risk to re-offend, his past actions demonstrate a pattern of exploiting positions of trust to sexually abuse minors.

The details

According to the notification, in 1992 and 1993, Leon engaged in repeated incidents of sexual contact against multiple known female children, including touch and penetration. He used manipulation and coercion to maintain control over the victims. Leon will be discharged from the Minnesota Sex Offender Program and transition to his new residence on April 7, 2026.

  • Leon will transition to his new residence on April 7, 2026.

The players

James Preston Leon

A level two predatory offender who has a history of repeated sexual contact against multiple known female children, including touch and penetration, using his relationships of trust to exploit unmonitored access with the victims.

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What’s next

The Rochester Police Department has issued the notification to inform the public about Leon's release and transition to the new residence.

The takeaway

The release of a level two predatory offender into a residential neighborhood raises significant concerns about public safety, especially for families with children. This case highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing offender reintegration with community protection.