Mass. Lawmaker Calls For Changes After Abuse Case

The Republican leader in the Massachusetts Senate says the case of a Wakefield man charged with sexually assaulting more than a dozen children points to "deep flaws" in the way the state classifies and tracks sex offenders.

Sen. Bruce Tarr of Gloucester says he plans to file legislation next month that would, among other things, improve communication between lawmakers, prosecutors and the Sex Offender Registry Board.

John Burbine is accused of assaulting the children — including one just 8 days old — while working at his wife's unlicensed day care business. He's currently being held without bail after pleading not guilty.

In 1989, Burbine was registered as a Level 1 sex offender, a classification given those least likely to reoffend.

Tarr says subsequent investigations of Burbine over the years should have led him to be reclassified.