The Whidbey Island Sheriff’s Office has scheduled a public meeting in Freeland to discuss the release of a convicted sex offender who is expected to live homeless in the area.

Albert Arthur Thelen, 49, was convicted in 1991 of first-degree child molestation in Skagit County. He reportedly had sexual contact with his 8-year-old stepdaughter over a four- to five-year period, officials said.

The state Department of Corrections has rated Thelen a Level 1 Sexual Offender, with low risk to the public of reoffending. He had previous assault convictions in 1985 and 1986, officials said.

Officials said Thelen will be living homeless in the South Whidbey area.

The meeting will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Fireside Room of Trinity Lutheran Church, 18341 Highway 525 in Freeland.

Sheriff Mark Brown, precinct deputies and other officials will discuss the state’s sexual offender laws and other law enforcement issues, and outline basic safety rules in regard to sexual offenders.

For information, call 678-4422.