Antone Costa

The Barnstable Police Department is releasing the following information pursuant to M.G.L. c.6, s. 178C-178P which authorizes law enforcement agencies to release information that will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense that requires his/her registration.  This person has been designated a LEVEL 3 SEX OFFENDER by the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB).  The Board has determined that this individual is at a high risk to re-offend and that the degree of dangerousness posed to the public is such that a substantial public safety interest is served by active community notification.  This person has served the sentence imposed by him/her by the court and IS NOT WANTED BY THE POLICE.

Law Enforcement agencies have no authority to direct where a sex offender lives or works.  Unless court ordered restrictions exist, this offender is constitutionally free to live wherever he/she chooses.  Sex offenders have always lived in our community; however, it was not until the passage of this law (which mandates sex offender registration) that law enforcement agencies could share this information with the public.  Any abuse of this information to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders will not be tolerated and could potentially jeopardize our authority to keep the public informed.

*** WARNING ***

Sex Offender Registry information shall not be used to commit a crime or to engage in illegal discrimination or harassment of an offender.  Any person who uses information disclosed pursuant to M.G.L. C.6, s.178C-178P for such purposes shall be punished by not more than 2 ½ years in a house of correction or by a fine of not more than $1,000. or both (M.G.L. C.6, s.178N).  In addition, any person who uses registry information to threaten to commit a crime may be punished by a fine of not more than $100. or by imprisonment for not more than 6 months (M.G.L. C275, s.4).