Plymouth police are giving residents a heads-up about Kristian Johnson, a registered Level 3 sex offender who has listed himself as homeless and may be encountered around town. Officers stressed that Johnson is not currently wanted, but said they are sharing the information so neighbors can make informed decisions about their own safety. They also underscored that the registry exists to protect the public, not to justify harassment or vigilantism.
The alert went out Tuesday on the department’s Facebook page as a formal Level 3 community notification, which state rules allow to be actively shared with the public. According to the Plymouth Police Department, Johnson is registered as homeless and “may be encountered within the community.” The post also directs residents to the Sex Offender Registry Board for the latest registration details.
What Level 3 Means
Level 3 is the highest public-notification category in Massachusetts and is reserved for people the state considers most likely to reoffend. The Plymouth Police Department notes that active community notification is permitted for Level 3 offenders and that these alerts are meant to help residents make safety choices, not to inflame tensions.
How To Get Details And Who To Call
Residents with questions about the notice or about registry information can contact the Records Division. The Plymouth Police Department lists Sergeant Ben Dexter as the point person for inquiries at 508-830-4218, ext. 15253. Records requests are handled during normal business hours, and anyone who receives mail notifications can ask to be taken off the mailing list.
Legal Penalties And Cautions
The notice also comes with a legal reminder: information from the sex offender registry cannot be used to threaten or intimidate the people listed there. Misusing registry information is a crime under Massachusetts law, specifically G.L. c. 6, § 178N, and can lead to up to two-and-a-half years in a house of correction or a fine of up to $1,000. Using registry details as part of a threat can be prosecuted separately under G.L. c. 275, § 4, with possible penalties of up to $100 or six months in jail.
Plymouth has put out similar Level 3 alerts in past years, and earlier mailings have drawn local attention when the department notified residents in 2025. Police advise that if you believe you see the individual named in this notice and there is an immediate safety concern, call 911. For non-emergencies or questions about the alert, contact Plymouth Police at (508) 830-4218 or reach Sgt. Dexter at the extension listed above.
