Proposed Bill Would Target Assets in Child Sex Abuse Cases

Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian and State Senator Barry Feingold (D-Andover) have teamed up to propose new legislation that would allow authorities to seize personal property in child sex abuse cases.

According to an announcement from Koutoujian's office, the proposed legislation would allow authorities, with court permission, to take items such as cameras, cell phones and computers that are used in child pornography or enticement of minors cases.

The full press release from Koutoujian's office is included in the .pdf section to the right.

The bill comes in the wake of the ongoing John Burbine child sex abuse case. Burbine, a former Wakefield resident, is facing more than 100 counts of child sex abuse stemming from his work at his wife's one-time illegal daycare business.

At least one of Burbine's alleged victims is from Newton, authorities say.

The proposed legislation is modeled after existing state controlled substance and human trafficking laws, the press release said. 

“Crime evolves and with it so must our laws,” said Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, who is office proposed the bill along with State Sen. Barry Feingold, D-Andover. “The federal government and a host of states already have asset forfeiture statutes that cover this type of crime. It’s my belief this could help us in Massachusetts better educate our children on how to stay safe online and enhance law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute those who prey on our children.”

Feingold noted that funds raised under the law would be used to fund investigations of other child sex predators.

 “Last year there were over 40 State Police investigations related to child pornography in Middlesex County alone," Feingold said. “This is an ugly problem in our state but our hope is this bill will help bring that number down through Internet safety education and increased financial resources for investigators.”

Related stories:

• At Least 1 Newton Child Among Victims of Alleged Sex Crimes at Wakefield Day Care
• Burbine Pleads Not Guilty to 100 Counts of Child Sex Abuse
• Terms Set For Home Confinement of Wife in Child Sex Abuse Case
• Burbine Child Sex Abuse Trial Date Tentatively Set
• Report: Senate GOP to File Bill in Response to Burbine Case
• Bill Would Make It Easier to Get Information About Local Sex Offenders