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A Troubling Affair in Hopkinton
Last month, the serene town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, was abuzz with concern. This followed revelations about how the local police handled matters involving a convicted sex offender. The NBC10 Boston investigation brought all this to light.
A Sinister Past Unveiled
In 2016, Petros Sismanis, a convicted Level 2 sex offender, opened Hillers Pizza. His troublesome past, however, wasn’t easy to uncover online due to the timing of his conviction. Previously, in the 1990s, Sismanis had been indicted for assaulting two employees at the Jelly Donut, which led to his Level 2 registration.
An Alarming Incident
Surveillance footage showed Sismanis assaulting a young employee at the pizzeria. The incident didn’t end there. Sismanis then followed the victim and her mother to their car, begging them not to contact the authorities and obstructing their exit. Ultimately, last summer, he was found guilty of indecent assault and witness intimidation.
Community Outrage and Inquiries
Residents, like Beth Malloy, demanded answers from the Hopkinton Police Department. “They knew his history and said nothing,” she remarked. Meanwhile, Elissa McGinty led protests, exclaiming that the police were aware of Sismanis’ pattern of crimes within his business. Town meetings revealed shock and anger as the NBC10 Boston report exposed lapses in oversight.
A Failure of Protocol
Records showed the Select Board never questioned or revoked the pizza shop’s license, despite multiple red flags. Sarah McCabe, a leader in sexual assault survivor advocacy, described this as a “betrayal of public trust.” Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten promised to review how the situation was managed but expressed regret over perceived misunderstandings.
Legal Constraints
Van Raalten noted that due to state laws, information about Level 2 offenders, such as Sismanis, was not readily available online. Thus, the police were restricted in their ability to proactively share such information. The affair has prompted Hopkinton to become one of the few towns requiring criminal background checks for all licensed businesses.
Expert Opinions
Criminologist Alex del Carmen asserted there was a difference between public disclosures and what should be shared with town leaders during licensing. “It’s concerning how this was overlooked,” commented del Carmen, questioning the responsibility of exposing the public, particularly minors, to known predators.
A Tarnished Past
Interestingly, Lt. Jay Porter, who initially cleared Sismanis, later rose to deputy chief before being convicted of child rape. His crimes, committed as a school resource officer, have added another layer of controversy to this affair.
Future Implications
In light of these events, Hopkinton has heightened its scrutiny of business licenses. Sismanis, now in ICE custody, faces possible deportation to Greece. However, the situation leaves many questions about how such oversights occurred. As del Carmen emphasized, the community must be vigilant against such alarming lapses.
For further information, visit NBC Boston.
