Feedback: Facebook Page Lands Sex Offender In JailThree years ago, his sexual abuse of a child got him three months in jail. Now, Anthony Pignone is headed to state prison for up to three years. His offense this time: not reporting his Facebook page. "Sex offenders in particular have a higher level of accountability as far as what they do and where they are and who they're with," said Mary Jo Burkhard, Lewis County's probation director. The law requires registered sex offenders to report all of their internet accounts - and any changes to them - within ten days. Lewis County authorities say Pignone opened a Facebook page under an alias and didn't report it. "In this day and age of technology and the ability for outside people and sources to get into our home, it is certainly important that we monitor this," said county District Attorney Leanne Moser. Authorities don't want to disclose exactly how they monitor the electronic accounts of registered sex offenders, but it's enough to say that "big brother" is watching. "And that's just one more measure of our ability to find out what they're really doing," Burkhard said. Lack of criminal intent isn't a defense. Pignone's off to state prison even though he's not accused of using the Facebook page for anything inappropriate. Share Your Thoughts for Your Turn or leave a comment on our |
Friday, May 24, 2013
, Watertown, NY
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