The Plymouth Police Department has recently taken to social media to alert the community about Robert Lebaron, a registered Level 3 Sex Offender, who has declared homelessness, with a secondary location within the West Plymouth area. According to their Facebook post issued on June 13th, Lebaron is not currently wanted by the police. The announcement was made to ensure that the public is aware of his presence and, as a result, can make informed decisions to maintain safety for themselves and their loved ones.
The authorities have emphasized that even though Lebaron is registered with them, there are minimal restrictions on where sex offenders can go or what activities they can partake in. This policy might seem to uncomfortably place the onus on community members to always stay vigilant. The Plymouth Police Department has encouraged anyone seeking further information to visit the Sex Offender Registry Board’s Public Website, surely acknowledging the necessity for community access to such sensitive information.
For additional queries, Sergeant Ben Dexter is available for contact at 508-830-4218, ext. 15253. The Police Department's message came with a caution as well: the information provided in the sex offender registry should not be used unlawfully, specifically to commit crimes against the offender or to partake in illegal discrimination or harassment. They referenced M.G.L. c. 6, § 178N, noting that misuse could lead to a fine or a term in the house of correction.
Moreover, making threats against an offender using the information from the sex offender registry could be subject to legal repercussions, which may include a fine or imprisonment, ensuring a clear boundary is set on how such information could be applied. For those living within the West Plymouth area, this notification strives to empower residents with knowledge, allowing them to better safeguard their community— a vital gesture in a world where certainty is often found wanting and personal security sometimes seems to precariously hang in the balance.
