Senator calls for access to more sex offender information

5-21-2013 Massachusetts:

In the wake of charges brought in about a horrific child sex abuse case at a Wakefield home day care facility, lawmakers are considering legislation to increase information available on the state’s Sex Offender Registry. Sen. Barry Finegold, an Andover Democrat, wants any sex offender who commits a crime against a child to have their registration information put on the public website, regardless of their sex offender level.

Currently the identities of Level 2 sex offenders are only available upon request at local police stations. “As a parent of three young children, when the John Burbine case broke last year, it just shook us all,” Finegold told members of the Public Safety Committee Tuesday, testifying on his bill (S 1136). Burbine is accused of raping and sexually abusing children ranging in age from 8 days to 3 years old, over a two-year period beginning in August 2010. Prosecutors say he gained access to them through his wife’s day care business.

When the case came to light, Finegold said he and his wife were searching for child care for their one-year-old son Max, and the news made them realize how naïve they were about what to ask prospective child care providers. Finegold’s legislation would also require the Sex Offender Registry Board to be informed of any new accusations against a registered sex offender. The board could then decide to change someone’s classification, even if they are not convicted of the accusations, Finegold said. ..Source.. by STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE