Photos and information on high-level sex offenders will be posted on the Internet beginning on May 15, 2003, Governor Mitt Romney said on Wednesday.
“The public has a right to know where dangerous sex offenders live and work so they can protect their children and themselves,†Romney said. “During last year’s campaign, one of the key planks in our criminal justice platform was more widely publicizing the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders. This action fulfills that promise.â€
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey introduced Jennifer Franco as the new chair of the Sex Offender Registry Board. Franco comes to the post with several years of experience in the field, most recently serving as general counsel for the Executive Office of Public Safety. She is also former chief of staff and general counsel to the Sex Offender Registry Board.
“We are confident that as the board faces a number of challenges ahead that Jennifer’s impressive background and experience will lead the agency in its mission to help inform and educate the public about the threat of sex offenders in our society,†said Healey.
Romney noted that a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court last month paved the way for states to use the Internet as a tool to warn families of registered high-risk sex offenders living in their communities.
Beginning May 15, individuals will be able to access information on all Level 3 sex offenders on the Sex Offender Registry Board Web site at www.mass.gov/sorb. The public will be able to see the sex offender’s photo, name, home and work address, the charges the sex offender has been convicted of and a physical description.
At this time, nearly 350 classified Level 3 sex offenders are in the Sex Offender Registry’s database. In less than two years, the Sex Offender Registry Board has classified more than 2,400 sex offenders. Only detailed information on Level 3 high-risk sex offenders will be on the Web site to comply with state law.
In addition to Level 3 information, families may use the Web site to determine how many moderate risk (Level 2) sex offenders have been classified and live or work in their towns. Information on those offenders is available by visiting the local police department in those communities and filling out an application. No information on low risk (Level 1) sex offenders is available to the public because of legal restrictions.
Romney and Healey are also filing legislation to enhance and strengthen the Sex Offender Registry Board. The key components of the plan include:
Currently, only sex offenders who live and work in Massachusetts are required to register. This legislation mandates the registration of any sex offender who either attends or works at any school in the Commonwealth, regardless of where they live. It also mandates the registration of individuals found guilty of enticing a child with sexual intent, which is not now covered under the Sex Offender Registry law.
Requires state prosecutors to notify the board of all cases in which they are trying to have an offender committed as a sexually dangerous person. This will allow the Board to expedite the consideration of that person’s file and get their information online sooner.
Sex offenders who fail to register may have their driver’s license revoked or suspended until they comply with the registration requirements.
Requires registration of incarcerated sex offenders no later than two days before release. This provision will allow the Sex Offender Registry Board to register approximately 3,000 incarcerated sex offenders, decreasing the number of offenders that violate the law by failing to register upon release from jail.
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Snow, Frigid Temperatures Ring in New Year
Prepare for a cold and snowy arrival of 2026.
A winter weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., beginning at 7 p.m. New Year's Eve through 10 a.m. on Thursday for Northern Berkshire and Southern Vermont.
The forecast is for snow accumulations of up to 5 inches, with more possible in the higher elevations of the Green Mountains.
Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions, especially tonight during any travel for New Year's Eve celebrations.
Snowfall will be light to moderate with an Arctic cold front moving through the region. This will result in snow squalls during the pre-dawn hours. There's a chance of show showers continuing through Thursday morning.
New Year's Day will arrive will temperatures in the low 20s and wind chills as low as zero. The cold air will continue through the weekend, dropping into the single digits at night.
A system looking increasingly similar to Christmas Eve will bring a thump of snow to eastern Maine with lighter snow elsewhere. A secondary area of enhanced totals will be possible near the South Shore as well. #MAwx #CTwx #RIwx #NHwx #MEwx #VTwx newenglandstormcenter.substack.com/p/thump-of-s...
Samuel Currence served his country in the Air Force with distinction, professionalism and unparalleled humility from 1962 to 1985, retiring as a technical sergeant. click for more
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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