Two men are facing separate felony charges after unrelated incidents at Penguin Park on Wednesday, according to the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors said Demetrius Shivers-Adams was charged with knowingly burning and sexual misconduct after an arson incident at the park.
Kansas City firefighters and police reacted to a fire in a restroom, and city camera footage showed a man entering the restroom alone before smoke appeared from the structure, according to officials. The man later left the restroom naked, while children were present. Investigators discovered that the fire was purposefully started.
Michael Catagnano was also charged that day with failing to register as a sex offender and loitering within 500 feet of a public park. Police approached Catagnano in the Penguin Park children’s play area, according to officials.
Prosecutors claimed his previous convictions included a 2002 statutory rape case and two separate convictions for failing to register as a sex offender.
“The alleged conduct in these two cases is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson stated. “Public spaces like Penguin Park are designed to be safe for families and children. We remain committed to safeguarding children and families and will utilize all available legal tools to obtain justice for our community.”
The prosecutor’s office reports that both guys are in custody. The bond for Shivers-Adams is $50,000, and the bond for Catagnano is $75,000.
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