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Level 3 sex offender arrested for scamming registry

FIRST ON FOX 25 (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) — A convicted sex offender was arrested after Malden police say he duped the system.

Vincent Pellino, who is listed as a Level 3 sex offender, served time for abusing a child back in 2004. He pleaded not guilty to one count of failing to register during his arraignment Friday in Malden District Court. Essex Superior Court had issued a warrant out for Pellino's arrest.

Pellino's bail was set at $30,000 surety or $3,000 cash and he will be monitored by GPS. Pellino may not have unsupervised contact with kids.

As a Level 3 offender, Pellino is required to register and report his address for the statewide Sex Offender Registry. But Malden police told FOX 25 that Pellino registered as living at his mother's home in Saugus, but is actually living on Eastern Avenue in Malden, across from the charter school and next to an active daycare. Police don't believe Pellino had any interaction with kids while living at the Malden address.

Pellino was on probation, but was able to deceive the system and his parole officer in this address swap.

Malden police were contacted by Pellino's family member, who said their uncle was supposed to be living with his mom, but was residing in Malden. He was having mail delivered to Saugus, but at no time stayed there.

According to the family member, Pellino sometimes leaves a vehicle in Saugus. The relative thought Pellino was living in Malden for at least two years.

A defense attorney called Pellino's relative a disgruntled family member. He said Pellino currently has five jobs, working at cleaning and baking companies and delivering papers.