Arlington Police Identify Convicted Level 3 Sex Offender

ARLINGTON, MA — Arlington police have identified a convicted level 3 sex offender, Richard Bursey Jr., who lives in the town.

Police said the notice is being released to increase community awareness and residents may share or distribute this flyer so long as the intent is not to harass, intimidate, or otherwise engage in unlawful activity aimed at the sex offender.

"The Arlington Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and to enhancing the quality of life in our community,”Chief Juliann Flaherty said in a statement. "While the news of sex offenders in our community is alarming, we know that Arlington is a very safe community and that by disseminating this information we can prevent future acts of violence perpetrated against our citizens."

Massachusetts classifies convicted sex offenders into three categories according to their risk of re-offending. Level 1 sex offenders are those least likely to re-offend and information about them is not made public. Level 2 sex offenders are those at moderate risk of re-offending and information about these offenders is made available to residents by completing a request form at the Arlington Police Station. Level 3 sex offenders are those who are at a high risk of re-offending. State law authorizes police departments to provide community notification of level 3 sex offenders to media outlets, schools, day care centers and other organizations and individuals.

Additional information about the registered level 3 sex offenders in Massachusetts, by city and town, is available at www.arlingtonma.gov/police or www.mass.gov/sorb. Anyone with further questions please may contact Inspector Rebecca Gallagher at atrgallagher@town.arlington.ma.us or 781-316-3915.