Sex Offender Chosen as Grand Marshal of Town's Christmas Parade

sex offender chosen as Christmas parade grand marshal

Residents in northern Mississippi say they aren't pleased with their town's chamber of commerce's choice of a convicted sex offender as grand marshal for the annual Christmas parade. 

Court records show Michael Saripkin was convicted in Tennessee of sexual battery in 1990 and statutory rape in 1997. More recently, he was convicted in Mississippi of inappropriately touching a child. Saripkin served as the grand marshal for the Sardis Christmas Parade last Tuesday. 

However, not all residents objected to Saripkin. Business owner Carolyn Whaley said she didn't have a problem with the Chamber of Commerce's choice of grand marshal. 

"It doesn’t bother me," Whaley told WMC-TV. "He’s a very nice, friendly man. He has donated more money, helped the fire department, helped the police department, encouraged businesses to come here."

In a statement, the chamber said that Saripkin was riding in a private vehicle that was being driven by a member of the chamber, in the parade. 

The Sardis Chamber of Commerce puts on the annual Christmas parade and is responsible for choosing the grand marshal every year. 

Photo:  Mississippi Sex Offender Registry


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