Northwestern DA's Text-a-Tip program to target sex abuse cases

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - The Northwestern District Attorney's Office unveiled a new Text-A-Tip program Monday, in an effort to curb a growing child sexual abuse problem in western Massachusetts.

The $475,000 initiative is designed to target child sexual predators and is one of 20 programs in the country funded by the U.S Department of Justice.

District Attorney David Sullivan told 22News that in 2011, 499 children in the Northwestern District of Massachusetts were alleged to have been physically or sexually abused. This, combined with the 62 child abuse cases that are currently pending, prompted officials to adopt this technology-based policing approach.

"The enticement type of charges we've had a number of them since I got here. And it was not only that but the general crimes and seeing how effective it has been in other communities around the commonwealth and around the country," said Sullivan, who added that abuse cases are reported daily to his Child Abuse Unit.

By sending a text message to 274637 or "CRIMES", cell phone users will be able to provide tips to law enforcement; texts that are then encrypted before it reaches the host, to maintain the tipster's anonymity.

Franklin County has the highest child sexual abuse rate in the state; meanwhile Hampshire County has the sixth highest rate.

Ronnie Wilson: Level 3  -- Last known address:  Homeless, Athol      

Cecil Wall: Level 2   -- Last known address: 102 W. Main St., Orange

To find out if there are Level 3 sex offenders living in your community, check out the 22News Crime Watch Page.