News Summary
Robert M. Claud, a Level 3 sex offender, has resigned from his position in Boston’s parks and recreation department amid media inquiries into his past. Claud has multiple convictions for sexual offenses against children, raising significant concerns about the city’s hiring practices concerning individuals with criminal backgrounds. The city is now reviewing its employment policies to ensure better protection for vulnerable populations.
BOSTON – Robert M. Claud, a 37-year-old registered Level 3 sex offender, has ended his employment with the City of Boston’s parks and recreation department due to media inquiries regarding his criminal history. Claud, who has a long-standing record of sexual offenses against children, was employed as a heavy motor equipment operator and laborer. His employment was finalized on August 12 of this year. According to records, Claud earned a total of $19,931 last year, including $2,868 in overtime pay.
Claud’s criminal background includes two convictions for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and one conviction for open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior, all stemming from incidents that occurred on February 6, 2013. As a registered Level 3 sex offender, Claud is classified as highly dangerous and considered at high risk of reoffending.
After inquiries from the media, the mayor’s office confirmed Claud’s employment status but did not clarify whether he was terminated or his departure was voluntary. His last assigned work address continues to be the City of Boston parks and recreation maintenance yard, as per the latest available information.
The City of Boston has established a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) policy intended to safeguard vulnerable groups, including children, disabled individuals, and the elderly. This policy assesses potential hires based on various criteria, including the time elapsed since the offense and the age of the offender at the time of the crime. However, it remains unclear how this policy was applied in Claud’s hiring process, especially considering his history.
Claud last updated his photo on the Sex Offender Registry on January 28 of this year, just prior to beginning his employment with the city. Notably, his name was not present in city payroll records prior to last year, suggesting that he was a new hire.
The revelation of Claud’s employment has raised significant concerns regarding the city’s hiring practices, especially for positions that might involve unsupervised interactions with children. As a Level 3 offender, his prior convictions should have warranted a thorough examination of his background before employment was offered.
This situation has triggered discussions about the adequacy of background checks conducted by the city for potentially sensitive positions. Citizens are expressing concerns about the implications for community safety and the effectiveness of existing protocols to prevent individuals with dangerous pasts from obtaining jobs in public service roles.
As the story develops, the City of Boston is expected to review its hiring procedures and the implications of its CORI policy to ensure better protection for its residents. The community remains vigilant, raising questions about accountability in city employment practices and the need for stricter oversight of those who work closely with vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, Claud’s employment with the city highlights important issues surrounding employment practices for individuals with a criminal history, particularly in roles involving potential contact with children. The city has acknowledged Claud’s departure but has yet to provide clarity on how such a situation arose.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Herald: Sex Offender on City Hall Payroll
- Wikipedia: Sex Offender
- Boston 25 News: Level 2 Sex Offender Arrested
- Google Search: Level 2 Sex Offender
- NBC Boston: Sex Offender Peeping at College
- Google Scholar: Sex Offender Employment
- Boston Herald: Level 3 Sex Offender Sentenced
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sex Offender
- NBC Boston: Sex Offender Recorded Woman
- Google News: Sex Offender
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
