Jack McClellan, who gained pariah status among parents because of his now-defunct Web site that featured photographs he took of little girls in public places, has moved to Portland, citing its reputation as a "haven for offbeat people."

McClellan told KGW he used to author a blog where he described his fondness for underaged girls. Though the 45-year-old admits he is sexually attracted to girls, he said he has never molested one. McClellan said he started the Web site as a form of therapy.

He was arrested in August at the University of California, Los Angeles, after violating a restraining order requiring him not to loiter or congregate within 30 feet of minors, police alleged.

Background: Self-described pedophile arrested near UCLA last August

Why he moved to Portland

On Wednesday McClellan appeared on radio station KEX and said he moved to Portland for the "liberal, tolerant" climate the city was known for. He told interviewers he had been in town for a few days and was living off money from the government. He also spoke to KGW after the radio interview and said he has nothing to hide.

The Warriors for innocence blog, a site dedicated to tracking pedophiles, claimed McClellan announced he had moved to the area. The blog cited a posting purportedly by McClellan on an Internet message board.

"I'll save the nutcases trying to track my every move the trouble by announcing that I am now in Portland, and intend to stay here," the posting by someone registered as Jack McClellan read.

McClellan has never been charged or convicted for molestation.

"I have never done anything illegal with a child or regarding a child," the poster added.

A judge had previously ordered McClellan to stay away permanently from places where children gather.

"I have to leave the state, really, I can't live here under this Orwellian protocol," he told KABC in August. "It's nightmarish."

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McClellan is unemployed and lives out of his car. He created waves in Southern California upon arriving earlier in the summer from Washington state, where he had lived with his parents.

The disturbing Web site

For years, McClellan maintained a Web site in Washington where he posted child photos he had taken in public places. He also discussed how he liked to stake out parks, public libraries, fast-food restaurants and other areas where little girls, or "LGs," congregate.

More: McClellan began blogging about girls in Wash. state

McClellan's server took his Web site down over a month ago. He said in an interview a few weeks ago that he isn't sure whether he'll try to put it back up.

Sgt. Brian Schmautz, spokesman for the Portland Police Bureau, said the media alerted police to McClellan's move to the city. Because he is not a convicted sex offender, McClellan does not need to register with authorities, Schmautz said.