HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett of Tioga & Bradford Counties plans to introduce legislation that will provide a sentencing enhancement when a defendant is convicted of creating, distributing or possessing child sexual abuse material that depicts the defendant’s relative. Owlett said while speaking with a local prosecutor, he was informed that law enforcement is dealing with an increase in such cases. Under current law, there is no increased penalty for the crime of sexual abuse of children when the person convicted of creating, distributing or possessing child sexual abuse material depicts their relative. His legislation would remedy the loophole by asking the Sentencing Commission to provide a sentencing enhancement within its guidelines when this occurs. Owlett said this type of evil is unspeakable and those who engage in it must be punished accordingly. He is circulating a co sponsorship memo seeking support of his proposal.
REP. CLINT OWLETT