The recent arrest of John Burbine, a Level 1 registered sex offender charged with molesting 13 babies and toddlers, has understandably ignited the emotions of Massachusetts residents. If these heinous and depraved charges are proven in court than the full weight of the law should be brought down upon this individual.
What should not happen is retribution against the entire population of law-abiding registered sex offenders residing in the state, most of whom are just focused on rebuilding their lives as good citizens and providers for their families. Punish the offender — not the entire offender group.
Comments
The same forgiving largess needs to apply to the controversy surrounding gun control. The offenders aren't guns, or all of the people who have them; punish the offenders. "What should not happen is retribution against the entire population of law-abiding [gun owners] ..."
Great article but something important was left out. The Sex Offender Registry Board erred in classifying this man a level 1.
He clearly should have been a level 3. This however is not unusual, and the SORB are the ones that should be closely
looked at. There is a common theme in classifying sex offenders who know someone who can influence the
classification. John Burbine's father was a long time member of the Wakefield Police. The Wakefield Police erred in
not arresting or seeking an indictment with the district attorneys office in 2005 and 2009 when there were investigations
by a state agency, of John Burbine molesting a 5 year old and 7 year old boy. Another case in point:
http://www.aninchfrommurder.com/blog/archives/2005/05/outrage_follows.php