SHOCKED AND OUTRAGED

As the State Assembly representative for the area where Sal Inghilleri kidnapped and brutally assaulted a nine year old girl, I am both shocked and outraged by his release from prison only seven years later.

While I am a strong supporter of the Megan's Law Sex Offender Registry and applaud Judge Gazzillo's decision to classify Inghilleri as a high-risk offender, I believe more could be done to keep these vicious predators off our streets.  I support an Assembly Republican proposal that would allow violent sex offenders to be involuntarily committed to secure mental facilities after completing their prison sentence if they are still deemed a threat to society.

Given the alarming recidivism rate of high-level sex offenders, this legislation is exactly what we need to protect Long Island families from depraved felons like Inghilleri.  When the Legislature returns to Albany, Assembly Democrats should bring this bill to the floor for a vote.

Thomas Barraga

NYS Assemblyman (R-West Islip)