Wednesday, March 27, 2013
State audit finds 119 Level 2 and 3 sex offenders living at addresses registered as child care providers. Also, background checks not being done in some cases.
A new report from State Auditor Suzanne Bump suggests that a surprisingly large number of sex offenders in Massachusetts may be living in properties also used as childcare facilities. According to the report, the recent audit found 119 Level 2 and 3 sex offenders living at addresses that were also registered with the state as child care providers. The audit took place over 15 months from July, 2010 through September, 2011. “While we recognize that all 119 may not pose a problem because some of the information in the sex offender registry may be outdated, we believe that routinely conducting this match will serve to better ensure the safety of children in (Department of Early Education and Care’s) programs,” stated the report. Meanwhile, …
Friday, January 25, 2013
In wake of the John Burbine case, local lawmakers propose changes to the way sex offenders are registered.
If a new bill becomes law, you will be able to go to your local police station to find out more about the convicted sex offenders who live in your area. The legislation would not only make additional information on Level 1 sex offenders available to the public, but also would automatically classify anyone convicted of a sex offense against a child as a Level 2 offender. The legislation comes in response to charges against John and Marian Burbine, both of Wakefield. John Burbine is facing 100 charges involving the sexual abuse of young children, while his wife is charged with multiple counts stemming from the illegal day care she operated. John Burbine was classified as a Level 1 sex offender after a 1989 case involving several young …
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Mass. Senate Republican Leader Bruce Tarr plans to introduce legislation in January.
Senate Republicans expect to file comprehensive legislation during the new session aimed at reforming how information about sex offenders is shared between law enforcement and other officials. The bill is a response to the ongoing case involving Wakefield resident John Burbine and some 100 counts of child sex abuse he is facing. His wife, Marian, is also facing charges in the case for running an illegal daycare and for reckless endangerment. Burbine’s original classification suggested his risk of re-offense was low, and the public would not benefit from the disclosure of his information; however, subsequent facts have proven this assessment was inadequate and needed to be adjusted accordingly. Since 1989, Burbine has been the subject of …
