Koutoujian announces passage of tougher sex offender law - 09/21/2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 21, 2006 Contact: Patrick Golden 617-722-2130
BOSTON – State Rep. Peter Koutoujian, D-Waltham, today joined the families of sex offender victims and lawmakers at the State House for the signing of comprehensive legislation that strengthens the Commonwealth’s monitoring of sex offenders.
The bill, which also dramatically extends the statute of limitations for district attorneys to prosecute sexual abuse cases, incorporates several key provisions Koutoujian developed for the “Joanne and Alyssa Act,” a similar piece of legislation designed to eliminate loopholes in the law that make it difficult to monitor even the most dangerous sex offenders. That bill is named in memory of Joanne and Alyssa Presti, the Woburn mother and daughter who were murdered in January, 2004, allegedly by a Level 3 Sex offender who had been frequenting their neighborhood. Specifically, the bill signed today calls for classifying and registering sex offenders before they are released from prison, the listing of both anticipated primary and secondary addresses, and punishing Level 2 and 3 offenders who fail to register with lifetime parole.
Koutoujian began working with the Presti family in early 2004 – upon its request - to develop stronger sex offender registry laws that arm local authorities and the public increased ability to know where dangerous sex offenders live and work.
“The Prestis and I have worked together for more than two years to develop stronger sex offender laws that can help to ensure other families do not have to endure what they have,” said Koutoujian. “Many of the ideas we fought for are included in this bill and will allow Massachusetts to take significant strides in protecting the public from dangerous predators. The Prestis' resolve and drive have inspired me.”
Other changes to the sex offender registry laws Koutoujian and Prestis called for have already become law. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a law requiring registered sex offenders to list any secondary addresses. Michael Bizanowicz was officially listed with the Sex Offender Registry Board as living in Lowell at the time he allegedly murdered Joanne and Alyssa Presti, but he frequently stayed with his girlfriend near the Prestis’ home.
“My hard work on this issue, the commitment of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick, and that of my legislative colleagues, make me confident that we will continue to put laws in place to keep our children and communities safe from sex offenders.” Koutoujian said.
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