Local man classified as Level 3 offender
Published on November 19th, 2003
STONEHAM, MA - A 55-year old Stoneham resident and convicted child rapist, who is also awaiting trial for recent charges of child rape and indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14, was officially classified as a Level 3 sex offender by the Sex Offender Registry Board.
Ronald M. Ostrovsky, 55, of 300 Park Terrace Drive, Unit 354, Stoneham, as determined by the Sex Offender Registry Board "has a high risk to re-offend and that the degree of dangerousness posed to the public is such that a substantial public safety interest is served by active community notification."
In addition to the Stoneham residence, the Sex Offender notification lists the 5'7" 160 lb. Ostrovsky as working at 777 Lynnway, Lynn, Ma.
According to CORI records obtained by the Stoneham Independent, Ostrovsky was convicted of rape and abuse of a child and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 in March and May of 1990, and then spent at least four years in state prison for the charges.
Stoneham Police received and executed a search warrant at Ostrovsky's Stoneham condo in April, where police reportedly found pornographic materials consistent with the alleged young victim's testimony.
"The victim described several pornographic items in pretty clear detail that we later found within the apartment," said Stoneham Police Lt. Rick McCarthy. "It's not a crime in and of itself to own these items, but it's a crime when children are involved, obviously."
Ostrovsky was indicted on the charges on July 31, and is awaiting trial. According to Salem, New Hampshire police officials, Ostrovsky likewise registered as a sex offender there in 1989, a year before his conviction in Massachusetts.
"There's no particular charge that designates a sex offender as a 1, 2, or 3," said Sex Offender Registry Board spokesperson Charlie McDonald. "Each offender is classified on the details of their case, and their risk to reoffend."
McDonald recommends that people take the normal precautions in watching their children in public places.
"Depending on the age of the child, supervise the child in a manner where they are aware of adults they come into contact with," said McDonald. "You should supervise children near parks and playgrounds, and be aware that these places can be attractive to sex offenders."
"The key thing is to just be aware that there are people who committ these crimes and are at a higher risk to reoffend," added McDonald. "They've been here before, they'll be here again, but now we have a right to know about these people."
Sex Offender Registry information shall not be used to committ a crime or to engage in illegal discrimination or harassment of an offender. Any person who uses information disclosed pursuant to M.G.L. C.6 SS 178C-178P for such purposes shall be punished by not more than two and one half (2 1/2) years in a house of correction or by a fine of not more than one thousand ($1000) or both (M.G.L. c.6 SS 178N). In addition, any person who uses registry information to threaten to commit a crime may be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months (M.G.L. C. 275 SS 4).
For more information on the Sox Offender Registry and how to obtain information on Sex Offenders living and working in Stoneham, visit the state's Web site at www.state.ma.us/sorb/.
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