Sex Offender plays Airbnb host in Carmel Valley

Unbeknownst to guests, a registered sex offender, Carl Bergstrom, was playing host in Carmel Valley.

The story, first reported by Business Insider to highlight flaws in company’s vetting process, but local law enforcement is now hoping the host doesn’t become a target.

While Business Insider screenshotted glowing reviews of “Sharon and Carl,” the article stirred up lots of negative comments. Some vowing “never to do Airbnb again”

While the article is using the scenario to highlight security issues with Airbnb’s background check process, John Thornburg with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said he hopes Bergstrom doesn’t become a target

“He has registered. He has followed all the rules, He’s doing everything he’s supposed to do,” Thornburg said.

If you look for Bergstrom on the Megan’s Law website, you won’t be able to find him.

Thornburg said that’s because offenders can petition the department of justice not to appear

“If you have certain charges and if you meet certain criteria, then you are not listed on that website. That’s what appeared to have happened in this case,” Thornburg said.

Offenders in other cases are also trying to take a different path.

“It could be something as simple as they are moving forward in their life. They want to move forward. They want to be contributing members of the society in a positive way, run a business,” Thornburg said.

Still the San Francisco-based vacation rental company removed the listing and issued the following explanation, “We ask that hosts be transparent with us about who has access to their home and not doing so can lead to removal like in this case. We removed this host and this listing from our community.”