HARRISBURG – Bipartisan legislation which increases the punishment and penalties for persons found guilty of corrupting minors was approved by the PA House Judiciary Committee. House Bill 355 would direct the PA Commission on Sentencing to enhance the charges when the convicted person is a peace officer, school employee or other position of authority, and they had sexual contact with a minor in their professional care. Bill sponsor, York County Rep. Joe D’Orsie said increasing the penalties for those committing these egregious acts sends a very clear message that this kind of predatory behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. A first-degree misdemeanor carries a maximum of five years, while a third-degree felony has a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. The bill goes to the full House for consideration.
REP. JOE D’ORSIE