Sex offender arrested across street from Somis school

A registered sex offender living across the street from a Somis elementary school pleaded not guilty last week to five felony counts, most relating to not having registered as a sex offender, authorities said.

Convicted child molester Douglas Lee Rogers, 47, is charged with four counts of failing to notify law enforcement of his residence for three years, felony possession of methamphetamine and a misdemeanor charge for possession of a smoking device commonly used for methamphetamine. He also has a prior conviction for failing to register as a sex offender.

An anonymous tip led investigators to Rogers, who was arrested on Oct. 4 at his home in the 3300 block of West Street, directly across the street from Somis Elementary School. Police said a small quantity of methamphetamine and a pipe were found in Rogers' bedroom.

Prosecutor Rameen Minoui said Rogers eluded authorities for three years by moving at least twice and failing to inform police of his new addresses.

"Because of his prior registration history, he knew he had a duty to notify law enforcement when he moved," Minoui said. "He willfully did not notify law enforcement when he changed his residence."

A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 20.

If convicted, Rogers could face up to six years in prison.

-Michelle Knight