Legislation filed in aftermath of John Burbine's arrest aims to fix weaknesses in the state's sex offender registry system.
Local lawmakers and Wakefield’s chief of police were among those calling for changes to the state’s sex offender laws during a Tuesday, May 7 hearing at the State House. The legislation aims to address weaknesses in the sex offender registry system that were brought to light by the John Burbine child sex abuse case. At least one his alleged child sex abuse victims is from Newton. “This legislation will strengthen our laws, provide more information to parents and caregivers, and require information sharing among law enforcement and the agencies we depend on to keep our kids safe,” said Clark. Wakefield Police Chief Rick Smith testified about a parent who came to the police station last summer asking for information Level 1 sex offenders – …
Shana Rowan, executive director of USA Families Advocating an Intelligent Registry, provided this letter to the editor in light of recent media coverage and legislative proposals surrounding the John Burbine case.
- OPINION
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Tuesday, January 29
By now, all of Massachusetts and much of the country has heard about the gruesome allegations against John Burbine; a man accused of videotaping himself sexually abusing 13 young children. He’s also a Level 1 registered sex offender, which has understandably led lawmakers to respond with proposed legislation aimed at preventing such a crime from happening again. Unfortunately, as is often the case following high-profile child sex crimes, well-intentioned legislators respond with broad-brush proposals and political placebos that may make constituents feel good, but don’t actually do anything to protect the public. Because Burbine was classified as a low risk Level 1 offender, the knee jerk emotional response has been that there must …
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 who are 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 was filed by State Sen. Katherine Clark and State Rep. Paul Brodeur in response to the 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. At least one of the alleged victims is …
ltm
10:45 am on Thursday, May 9, 2013
John Burbine and I believe another, Marian Burbine who allegedly facilitated, at the least, John Burbine’s propensity to sexually assault babies and children is an extremely uncommon role for any sex offender or accomplice on any tier of the registry.. Considering Mr. Burbine to be a level one sex offender and a family goes to the Sheriff’s office making inquiries about Mr. Burbine; why didn't … more ›