Sex offender busted at high school for failing to register

AUBURN, Mass. (FOX 25 / myfoxboston) - A local man was nabbed for failing to register as a sex offender and trying to take a 15-year-old girl out of school.

Chris Banfill’s arrest was prompted by an incident involving an Auburn High School student. Banfill allegedly went into the school office attempting to sign out a 15-year-old female student, claiming to be her stepfather.

The school secretary called police after Banfill mispronounced the student’s name. The school refused to allow Banfill to sign the student out and Banfill then reportedly ran from the school. Auburn police arrested him a short time later in the parking lot of the Shaw's Supermarket on Southbridge Street.

A gym teacher also reported that Banfill was taking cell phone pictures of students outside during gym. Police then found him wandering behind school.

Chris Banfill was charged him with not registering as sex offender. He was arraigned yesterday in Worcester District Court and brought back to the House of Corrections. Bail was set at $700.

Banfill is due back in court on April 26 for a pre-trial hearing. More charges will be filed tomorrow for enticement of a minor and trespassing, police said.

Diana Rocco will have the latest on this story tonight on the FOX25 News at 6.

Statement from Superintendent Dr. Maryellen Brunelle:

Due to the diligent efforts of the staff of Auburn High, a man who entered the front office was quickly determined to have no business being there and was directed to leave school grounds immediately. At no time did he come in contact with students. Soon thereafter he was apprehended by the Auburn Police.

I applaud the efforts of all involved, including our school resource officer, as their swift and appropriate actions in following established protocols ensured the safety of our students, a top priority of our entire school community.