Post by Vermontn03 on Jun 6, 2012 18:05:01 GMT -5
We need better laws to protect our children
Reformer.com
Wednesday, July 9
Editor of the Reformer:
Many have said that rural Vermont is a great place to raise a family. The small town setting and sense of community gives us a feeling that our children our safe here. That coupled with the many programs that are offered to keep kids safe and healthy make Vermont a place where many come to reside.
But can't Vermont do a better job in protecting our kids from sexual predators? Particularly our legal system and our legislature. While writing this I thought maybe it's too early in regards to the tragic event that happened in Randolph. But has the state been too late in enacting a Jessica's Law?
A little over one year ago, we had a child rapist get an intial 60-day sentence after confessing to violating a 6-year-old girl for four years. The increase in sexual predators went from 700 in 2001 to 2,400 in 2006. Are they coming here because it's safer for them?
The man charged in last week's heinous crime was first charged with a sex crime 23 years ago. He was 18 and had sex with a 15-year-old. That case was dismissed. In 1993 when he was 26, he was convicted of raping an 18-year-old in Rutland. In this case the court records showed a violent and humiliating crime. His sentence was for six years and 14 years of probation. He spent four years in jail and petitioned for early release of probation which was granted seven years early in 2006.
www.reformer.com/ci_9824943?source=most_viewed
Reformer.com
Wednesday, July 9
Editor of the Reformer:
Many have said that rural Vermont is a great place to raise a family. The small town setting and sense of community gives us a feeling that our children our safe here. That coupled with the many programs that are offered to keep kids safe and healthy make Vermont a place where many come to reside.
But can't Vermont do a better job in protecting our kids from sexual predators? Particularly our legal system and our legislature. While writing this I thought maybe it's too early in regards to the tragic event that happened in Randolph. But has the state been too late in enacting a Jessica's Law?
A little over one year ago, we had a child rapist get an intial 60-day sentence after confessing to violating a 6-year-old girl for four years. The increase in sexual predators went from 700 in 2001 to 2,400 in 2006. Are they coming here because it's safer for them?
The man charged in last week's heinous crime was first charged with a sex crime 23 years ago. He was 18 and had sex with a 15-year-old. That case was dismissed. In 1993 when he was 26, he was convicted of raping an 18-year-old in Rutland. In this case the court records showed a violent and humiliating crime. His sentence was for six years and 14 years of probation. He spent four years in jail and petitioned for early release of probation which was granted seven years early in 2006.
www.reformer.com/ci_9824943?source=most_viewed