| Romeo & Juliet Stories |
When Shakespeare brought Romeo
and Juliet to life, he was intentional in
choosing two young characters as his
protagonists. Then as now, two teens
having consensual sex is
understandable. But an adult
molesting a child is reprehensible.
The difference between the two
situations would seem obvious. But in
many states in the U.S., legally
speaking, there’s little distinction
between Romeo and Juliet's mutual
decision and the abusive actions of a
child molester. An older teen who has
sex with his younger girlfriend can be
arrested, prosecuted, and jailed for the
act. Even worse, he may carry the
stigma of being labeled a sex offender
for the rest of his life.
The problem typically arises when the
male is 18 or 19, the female is between
14 and 16, and the parent of the
younger teen presses charges. (Even
Romeo would be labeled a sex
offender today, as he was believed to
be 16 and Juliet 13 when their
relationship began.)
[Read full story here]
and Juliet to life, he was intentional in
choosing two young characters as his
protagonists. Then as now, two teens
having consensual sex is
understandable. But an adult
molesting a child is reprehensible.
The difference between the two
situations would seem obvious. But in
many states in the U.S., legally
speaking, there’s little distinction
between Romeo and Juliet's mutual
decision and the abusive actions of a
child molester. An older teen who has
sex with his younger girlfriend can be
arrested, prosecuted, and jailed for the
act. Even worse, he may carry the
stigma of being labeled a sex offender
for the rest of his life.
The problem typically arises when the
male is 18 or 19, the female is between
14 and 16, and the parent of the
younger teen presses charges. (Even
Romeo would be labeled a sex
offender today, as he was believed to
be 16 and Juliet 13 when their
relationship began.)
[Read full story here]
For more than a century, states and
countries have been raising and
standardizing the legal age of
consent. Horny teenagers are being
thrown in with pedophiles. The point
of this crackdown was to lock up
perverts and protect incompetent
minors. But the rationales and the
numbers don't match up. The age of
majority and the age of competence
are coming apart. The age of
competence is fracturing, and the
age of female puberty is declining.
It's time to abandon the myth of the
"age of consent" and lower the
threshold for legal sex.
[Click here for full article]
countries have been raising and
standardizing the legal age of
consent. Horny teenagers are being
thrown in with pedophiles. The point
of this crackdown was to lock up
perverts and protect incompetent
minors. But the rationales and the
numbers don't match up. The age of
majority and the age of competence
are coming apart. The age of
competence is fracturing, and the
age of female puberty is declining.
It's time to abandon the myth of the
"age of consent" and lower the
threshold for legal sex.
[Click here for full article]
| The age of consent in Illinois is 17. That means until you are 17, you cannot have sex with someone 17 or older or you risk the other person becoming labeled a SEX OFFENDER! [Click here for age of consent laws in other states] |
Our obsession with and horror about sex,
have paradoxically generated both great
sexual freedom and draconian laws which
unfortunately have several (largely
unintended) negative consequences. These
may be summarized as follows:
1. Legal age of consent is out of sync with
normal sexual development and
adolescents are given conflicting and many
confusing messages about sexual behavior.
For example, they can generally consent to
abortion and obtain birth control at age 12
but cannot consent to sex until 16 or 18
(depending on the state). As a result, many
are being convicted of felonies for
developmentally normal behaviors and
having to register as sex offenders for the
remainder of their lives.
2. Pre-pubescent children are being
ostracized (and occasionally even
criminalized) for sexual behavior that is
often normal or at worst, an annoying
means of attention seeking.
3. Mandatory child abuse reporting laws,
originally designed to protect children have
been expanded to identifying offenders,
making it virtually impossible for them to
enter treatment on their own initiative
without first
suffering severe legal consequences.
4. Under the guise of “protecting our
communities,” without a shred of empirical
support and in spite of significant empirical
evidence to the contrary, sex offenders who
served their sentences are being forced to
leave their homes (and sometimes families)
because they live too close to a schools,
playgrounds or parks. In most instances
destabilizing these men is patently unfair
and in some cases it tends to make them
more rather than less dangerous.
[Read full article here]
have paradoxically generated both great
sexual freedom and draconian laws which
unfortunately have several (largely
unintended) negative consequences. These
may be summarized as follows:
1. Legal age of consent is out of sync with
normal sexual development and
adolescents are given conflicting and many
confusing messages about sexual behavior.
For example, they can generally consent to
abortion and obtain birth control at age 12
but cannot consent to sex until 16 or 18
(depending on the state). As a result, many
are being convicted of felonies for
developmentally normal behaviors and
having to register as sex offenders for the
remainder of their lives.
2. Pre-pubescent children are being
ostracized (and occasionally even
criminalized) for sexual behavior that is
often normal or at worst, an annoying
means of attention seeking.
3. Mandatory child abuse reporting laws,
originally designed to protect children have
been expanded to identifying offenders,
making it virtually impossible for them to
enter treatment on their own initiative
without first
suffering severe legal consequences.
4. Under the guise of “protecting our
communities,” without a shred of empirical
support and in spite of significant empirical
evidence to the contrary, sex offenders who
served their sentences are being forced to
leave their homes (and sometimes families)
because they live too close to a schools,
playgrounds or parks. In most instances
destabilizing these men is patently unfair
and in some cases it tends to make them
more rather than less dangerous.
[Read full article here]
| North Mason Students Get a Different Kind of Sex Education |
BELFAIR — When it comes to taboo subjects, how to deal with sex offenders is probably pretty close to the top of
the list.
But the eighth-grade honors students in Julie Sullivan’s class at Hawkins Middle School in North Mason tackled the
thorny subject head on. Divided into four teams, the 24 students researched how the justice system deals with a
particular class of sex offenders and then developed ways to fix it. At a “showcase” event on Friday the students
presented their work as part of Project Citizen, a national civics education program for middle schools.
“I commend you on this difficult topic,” said Project Citizen judge John Campbell. “It not only requires intelligence, but
courage.”
Project Citizen helps students research and develop solutions for public policy problems. The project helps students
“develop support for democratic values and principles, tolerance, and feelings of political efficacy,” according to
Project Citizen’s Web site.
After talking through tough subjects like teen pregnancy and abortion over the winter while researching topics, the
group eventually settled on the punishment for sex offenders who are convicted of consensual sex with someone
younger than 16. The students used an “example offender” of an 18- or 19-year-old who had a sexual relationship
with a 14- or 15-year-old. On Friday they showcased their work for teachers, parents, Campbell, who also serves on
the North Mason School Board, and two other judges, retired attorney Scott Smith and Hawkins Principal Thom
Worlund.
The class interviewed a Mason County detective, discovering that there are about 240 sex offenders currently in the
county. They researched the “age of consent” in different parts of the world. The students looked into how sex
offenders are punished, how they are tracked once released from jail and also the different classes of sex offenses.
The students found that their example offender could be convicted of a class C felony and spend one to 10 years in
jail. Once released, the offender would register as a sex offender and bear that stigma, making it hard to find a job
or place to live. “It seems unfair to be punished for something that is consensual,” said Megan Hicks. Smith said he
appreciated that the students understood “how compassion is an important part of public policy.”
So the students came up with an alternative public policy that could apply to their example offender. They agreed
that if convicted, the offender should serve jail time. After release, if the offender does not reoffend for two years,
the offender should be allowed to petition the court to expunge the conviction. The student labeled it the “removal
policy.”
“Our policy gives them another chance so they don’t have this follow them around for the rest of their lives,” said
Zak Humm. Under questioning from Smith, Worlund and Campbell, the students argued that the removal policy
would be good for society, allowing sex offenders to work and be productive, contributing members of society. They
also agreed with Smith that a psychiatric evaluation might be another good tool to use for sex offenders.
After the showcase, 13-year-old Mikayla Mehelich said the students didn’t find talking about sex offenders difficult. It’
s a reality kids today live with, she said. When she visits the Theler Center each week, Mehelich said she checks the
bulletin board where sex offenders photos are posted. She wants to protect herself. When she told her parents and
grandparents her class was working on a sex offender project they were “dumbfounded.” But as the weeks have
gone by, Mehelich said her family has been asking a lot of questions about the project.
Sullivan said the students handled the delicate subject well. These students are “very motivated” and “matter-of-
fact,” she said. The project brought in all aspects of learning, including writing, interviewing, researching and letter
writing. ”I think it was so valuable and had so many valid learning opportunities,” she said.
[Click here for original link]
the list.
But the eighth-grade honors students in Julie Sullivan’s class at Hawkins Middle School in North Mason tackled the
thorny subject head on. Divided into four teams, the 24 students researched how the justice system deals with a
particular class of sex offenders and then developed ways to fix it. At a “showcase” event on Friday the students
presented their work as part of Project Citizen, a national civics education program for middle schools.
“I commend you on this difficult topic,” said Project Citizen judge John Campbell. “It not only requires intelligence, but
courage.”
Project Citizen helps students research and develop solutions for public policy problems. The project helps students
“develop support for democratic values and principles, tolerance, and feelings of political efficacy,” according to
Project Citizen’s Web site.
After talking through tough subjects like teen pregnancy and abortion over the winter while researching topics, the
group eventually settled on the punishment for sex offenders who are convicted of consensual sex with someone
younger than 16. The students used an “example offender” of an 18- or 19-year-old who had a sexual relationship
with a 14- or 15-year-old. On Friday they showcased their work for teachers, parents, Campbell, who also serves on
the North Mason School Board, and two other judges, retired attorney Scott Smith and Hawkins Principal Thom
Worlund.
The class interviewed a Mason County detective, discovering that there are about 240 sex offenders currently in the
county. They researched the “age of consent” in different parts of the world. The students looked into how sex
offenders are punished, how they are tracked once released from jail and also the different classes of sex offenses.
The students found that their example offender could be convicted of a class C felony and spend one to 10 years in
jail. Once released, the offender would register as a sex offender and bear that stigma, making it hard to find a job
or place to live. “It seems unfair to be punished for something that is consensual,” said Megan Hicks. Smith said he
appreciated that the students understood “how compassion is an important part of public policy.”
So the students came up with an alternative public policy that could apply to their example offender. They agreed
that if convicted, the offender should serve jail time. After release, if the offender does not reoffend for two years,
the offender should be allowed to petition the court to expunge the conviction. The student labeled it the “removal
policy.”
“Our policy gives them another chance so they don’t have this follow them around for the rest of their lives,” said
Zak Humm. Under questioning from Smith, Worlund and Campbell, the students argued that the removal policy
would be good for society, allowing sex offenders to work and be productive, contributing members of society. They
also agreed with Smith that a psychiatric evaluation might be another good tool to use for sex offenders.
After the showcase, 13-year-old Mikayla Mehelich said the students didn’t find talking about sex offenders difficult. It’
s a reality kids today live with, she said. When she visits the Theler Center each week, Mehelich said she checks the
bulletin board where sex offenders photos are posted. She wants to protect herself. When she told her parents and
grandparents her class was working on a sex offender project they were “dumbfounded.” But as the weeks have
gone by, Mehelich said her family has been asking a lot of questions about the project.
Sullivan said the students handled the delicate subject well. These students are “very motivated” and “matter-of-
fact,” she said. The project brought in all aspects of learning, including writing, interviewing, researching and letter
writing. ”I think it was so valuable and had so many valid learning opportunities,” she said.
[Click here for original link]
Laura Brown makes some final
notes prior to her group’s
presentation for the Project
Citizen showcase at Hawkins
Middle School in Belfair on
Friday. (MEEGAN M. REID |
KITSAP SUN)
notes prior to her group’s
presentation for the Project
Citizen showcase at Hawkins
Middle School in Belfair on
Friday. (MEEGAN M. REID |
KITSAP SUN)
| Stories |
| Articles |
Illinois - He 19 and she was 16 when her
father called the police. They had been
together almost a year already. Two years
later, while they were still together, and even
though she was now 18, he was forced to
take a deal to avoid prison.
father called the police. They had been
together almost a year already. Two years
later, while they were still together, and even
though she was now 18, he was forced to
take a deal to avoid prison.
Pennsylvania - In the late 1990s, he was 19
and had a consensual relationship with his
15 year old girlfriend. That girlfriend is now
his wife and he is a registered sex offender.
and had a consensual relationship with his
15 year old girlfriend. That girlfriend is now
his wife and he is a registered sex offender.
Texas - Nearly 12 years ago, he was 19 and
had a consensual relationship with his 15
year old girlfriend. They are now married and
he is listed as a sex offender.
had a consensual relationship with his 15
year old girlfriend. They are now married and
he is listed as a sex offender.
Michigan - He just turned 18 and she was
nearly 15. Her parents approved of the
relationship, but after a teacher called the
police, he was arrested.
nearly 15. Her parents approved of the
relationship, but after a teacher called the
police, he was arrested.
Oklahoma - He was 16 and she said she was
the same age. Later, she told Ricky's mom
she was 14, but that wasn't the truth either,
she was only 13. Her parents didn't want to
press charges, but Ricky was now 17 and he
was arrested.
the same age. Later, she told Ricky's mom
she was 14, but that wasn't the truth either,
she was only 13. Her parents didn't want to
press charges, but Ricky was now 17 and he
was arrested.
| John Stossel - Sex & the Law |
Age of Consent: the Unknown Facts
Recently, my son Ricky, his wife and I appeared on the John Stossel
show airing on Fox Business News regarding sex laws.
We flew to New York City with high hopes that we were going to be
given a chance to educate America’s youths and their families. Daily
we are contacted by parents who are horrified that their son or
daughter is facing a life as a registered sex offender over consensual
relationships.
Ex-Prosecutor Wendy Murphy, a “Victim Advocate,” was there to
discuss why we need these laws. We sat in the green room listening
to her and were insulted by her blatant ignorance of this issue. She
protested to Stossel himself that these cases are “rare,” referring to
the Frank Rodriguez case from Texas. He had consensual sex with
his girlfriend Nikki who was 15. Now they are married with four
children. Nonetheless, Frank is now a lifetime Registered Sex
Offender under Texas law.
Obviously, we know of the Romeo cases as we hear more and more
of these youth’s tragedies across this country and how they are
destroying their lives with a never-ending punishment. Examples of
some of these incredible tragedies would be young Brandon who at
17 had consensual sex with a young lady. She lied about her age
and now he is serving a sixty year sentence in a Texas penitentiary.
Then, there's Ryan. At 19 had consensual sex with his 16 year old
girlfriend and served prison time. Now, he is required by law to
register for ten years, or until a new retroactive law passes and he is
forced to register for life. Cody was 18 when he met a young lady at
a party and had consensual sex. She was 14. Now Cody is facing
ten years for Failure to Register, as the Assistant District Attorney
wants to make an example out of this kid. He will simply be one
more of thousands in the Bureau of Prisons. Meet Billy who at 18
had consensual sex with his then 13 year old girlfriend and now,
under California law, he is a registered sex offender for life.
These stories are merely a just a few of the thousands. Now, not
just the consensual relationships, but sexting and internet
solicitation rear their ugly heads as crimes worthy of registration,
amongst this generation.
So where was the discussion on prevention and education for the
thousands of parents watching the Fox Business Channel?
Yes, Stossel had a map with a color scheme regarding your state’s
Age of Consent laws. It was colorful and bright, but was it
informative? Did it cover what happens if you do not meet your state
age of consent? What does Age of Consent mean legally? What are
the consequences for violating this law? What does it mean to be a
Registered Sex Offender? What are the facts regarding recidivism,
treatment and risk based assessments?
Another consideration is the Federal age of consent. Regardless of
what age your state has codified, the Federal age is 18 for both
sexes. What this means is that if a state line is crossed in one of
these cases, it is a Federal crime. Also, with the passage of the
Adam Walsh Act, a Federal prosecutor can “pick up” one of these
cases to be prosecuted in Federal court when it occurs within state.
Even if we had the opportunity to delve into answering those
questions, how do we prevent this from happening to more youths?
As parents, educators, community leaders, media and physicians,
what steps do we need to take to educate our children about the
laws? Should Planned Parenthood be required to educate those
individuals under age who come to them for birth control with no
parental consent or notification? Legally, are they contributing to the
delinquency of a minor?
According to Wendy Murphy, not only are these cases "rare" but
District Attorneys simply do not prosecute these types of cases. She
is ill informed. Murphy protests if this is happening we should
advocate for better District Attorneys or, even better, to put more
info on the registry page so the public viewing it can see Frank is not
a serious threat to them or their families. She stated that after
knowing Frank twenty seconds, she would allow her children to play
with Frank’s kids. What this statement proved is Wendy Murphy is a
blustering voice who has no real clue on how the registry affects the
lives of those it touches including the families of those registered.
None of these concerns were discussed. The interview was edited
to fit the time requirements for the Stossel show. It’s
understandable, since media has a time frame they work with and
are held too. But should we as parents, grandparents, teachers and
citizens ask for another show to discuss these issues so we do not
find our sons or daughters on the registry as lifetime predators?
It’s time we work on prevention and awareness so that we do not
destroy more Franks and Rickys across this country, under the
banner of “protecting children.” In reality, we are destroying them
and any future they may have. Life as a registered sex offender will
affect their future housing, employment,
education and the parenting of their children who will also become
victims of these laws.
As for Wendy Murphy, I challenge her to step up to the plate and
discover whether indeed these are “rare” cases. Then my advice to
her will be: “Get a clue.” I’d also ask her to work with me to instill
programs into our schools, community clinics, Planned Parenthood
and Health Departments to give parents and their children a chance
to know the law and its consequences which cause more harm than
good.
In reality, we all have a responsibility to prevent this from happening
and working together so that we truly can save one child from the
life as a Registered Sex Offender.
Mary Duval
08-03-10
CEO SOSEN Inc.
www.sosen.org
918-575-0193
Recently, my son Ricky, his wife and I appeared on the John Stossel
show airing on Fox Business News regarding sex laws.
We flew to New York City with high hopes that we were going to be
given a chance to educate America’s youths and their families. Daily
we are contacted by parents who are horrified that their son or
daughter is facing a life as a registered sex offender over consensual
relationships.
Ex-Prosecutor Wendy Murphy, a “Victim Advocate,” was there to
discuss why we need these laws. We sat in the green room listening
to her and were insulted by her blatant ignorance of this issue. She
protested to Stossel himself that these cases are “rare,” referring to
the Frank Rodriguez case from Texas. He had consensual sex with
his girlfriend Nikki who was 15. Now they are married with four
children. Nonetheless, Frank is now a lifetime Registered Sex
Offender under Texas law.
Obviously, we know of the Romeo cases as we hear more and more
of these youth’s tragedies across this country and how they are
destroying their lives with a never-ending punishment. Examples of
some of these incredible tragedies would be young Brandon who at
17 had consensual sex with a young lady. She lied about her age
and now he is serving a sixty year sentence in a Texas penitentiary.
Then, there's Ryan. At 19 had consensual sex with his 16 year old
girlfriend and served prison time. Now, he is required by law to
register for ten years, or until a new retroactive law passes and he is
forced to register for life. Cody was 18 when he met a young lady at
a party and had consensual sex. She was 14. Now Cody is facing
ten years for Failure to Register, as the Assistant District Attorney
wants to make an example out of this kid. He will simply be one
more of thousands in the Bureau of Prisons. Meet Billy who at 18
had consensual sex with his then 13 year old girlfriend and now,
under California law, he is a registered sex offender for life.
These stories are merely a just a few of the thousands. Now, not
just the consensual relationships, but sexting and internet
solicitation rear their ugly heads as crimes worthy of registration,
amongst this generation.
So where was the discussion on prevention and education for the
thousands of parents watching the Fox Business Channel?
Yes, Stossel had a map with a color scheme regarding your state’s
Age of Consent laws. It was colorful and bright, but was it
informative? Did it cover what happens if you do not meet your state
age of consent? What does Age of Consent mean legally? What are
the consequences for violating this law? What does it mean to be a
Registered Sex Offender? What are the facts regarding recidivism,
treatment and risk based assessments?
Another consideration is the Federal age of consent. Regardless of
what age your state has codified, the Federal age is 18 for both
sexes. What this means is that if a state line is crossed in one of
these cases, it is a Federal crime. Also, with the passage of the
Adam Walsh Act, a Federal prosecutor can “pick up” one of these
cases to be prosecuted in Federal court when it occurs within state.
Even if we had the opportunity to delve into answering those
questions, how do we prevent this from happening to more youths?
As parents, educators, community leaders, media and physicians,
what steps do we need to take to educate our children about the
laws? Should Planned Parenthood be required to educate those
individuals under age who come to them for birth control with no
parental consent or notification? Legally, are they contributing to the
delinquency of a minor?
According to Wendy Murphy, not only are these cases "rare" but
District Attorneys simply do not prosecute these types of cases. She
is ill informed. Murphy protests if this is happening we should
advocate for better District Attorneys or, even better, to put more
info on the registry page so the public viewing it can see Frank is not
a serious threat to them or their families. She stated that after
knowing Frank twenty seconds, she would allow her children to play
with Frank’s kids. What this statement proved is Wendy Murphy is a
blustering voice who has no real clue on how the registry affects the
lives of those it touches including the families of those registered.
None of these concerns were discussed. The interview was edited
to fit the time requirements for the Stossel show. It’s
understandable, since media has a time frame they work with and
are held too. But should we as parents, grandparents, teachers and
citizens ask for another show to discuss these issues so we do not
find our sons or daughters on the registry as lifetime predators?
It’s time we work on prevention and awareness so that we do not
destroy more Franks and Rickys across this country, under the
banner of “protecting children.” In reality, we are destroying them
and any future they may have. Life as a registered sex offender will
affect their future housing, employment,
education and the parenting of their children who will also become
victims of these laws.
As for Wendy Murphy, I challenge her to step up to the plate and
discover whether indeed these are “rare” cases. Then my advice to
her will be: “Get a clue.” I’d also ask her to work with me to instill
programs into our schools, community clinics, Planned Parenthood
and Health Departments to give parents and their children a chance
to know the law and its consequences which cause more harm than
good.
In reality, we all have a responsibility to prevent this from happening
and working together so that we truly can save one child from the
life as a Registered Sex Offender.
Mary Duval
08-03-10
CEO SOSEN Inc.
www.sosen.org
918-575-0193
If page formating is off, click "view" then "zoom" then change to 100%
| More Coming Soon |
Illinois - He was 17 and thought she was too
- until he found out she was 15. Her parents
were ok with the relationship. They broke up
a year and a half later and with a broken
heart, out of anger, she called the police. He
was now 18 and she was 15.
- until he found out she was 15. Her parents
were ok with the relationship. They broke up
a year and a half later and with a broken
heart, out of anger, she called the police. He
was now 18 and she was 15.
Romeo/Juliet cases in Illinois are
listed on the registry as "criminal
sexual abuse," "criminal sexual
abuse/force," "aggravated criminal
sexual assault," "criminal sexual
assault," and "aggravated criminal
sexual assault." When you see
someone listed with one of the above
offenses, it MAY be a consensual
relationship.
listed on the registry as "criminal
sexual abuse," "criminal sexual
abuse/force," "aggravated criminal
sexual assault," "criminal sexual
assault," and "aggravated criminal
sexual assault." When you see
someone listed with one of the above
offenses, it MAY be a consensual
relationship.
Illinois - He was 19 and she was 15. When
her mom read her journal, he was arrested.
The mom tried to drop the charges later, but
it was too late. He is now a sex offender in
Illinois.
her mom read her journal, he was arrested.
The mom tried to drop the charges later, but
it was too late. He is now a sex offender in
Illinois.
Illinois - He was 17, she was 14. Her mother
was ok with the relationship until a fight
between the mother and the daughter
happened, and then she decided she didn't
want them together after all.
was ok with the relationship until a fight
between the mother and the daughter
happened, and then she decided she didn't
want them together after all.
Illinois - He was 20 and she was a few
months shy of turning 17. After having
consensual sex, he was questioned. Now
she's pregnant by another 20 year old who
will be also become a sex offender in Illinois.
months shy of turning 17. After having
consensual sex, he was questioned. Now
she's pregnant by another 20 year old who
will be also become a sex offender in Illinois.
Illinois - Scott was 18 and met a girl who was
17. Or so he thought. The girl and her mother
said she was 17, he found out later she was
only 14 and was arrested.
17. Or so he thought. The girl and her mother
said she was 17, he found out later she was
only 14 and was arrested.
Illinois - Shane was 17 when he met a 15 year
old girl. They dated, fell in love, she got
pregnant, and they were planning on getting
married. He is now a registered sex offender.
old girl. They dated, fell in love, she got
pregnant, and they were planning on getting
married. He is now a registered sex offender.
Illinois - Jason was 17 when he met a girl
who was 16. They dated for awhile and when
Jason was leaving for college, she was hurt
and told her mom. He was arrested and
found out she was only 14. His dream of
becoming a lawyer is over.
who was 16. They dated for awhile and when
Jason was leaving for college, she was hurt
and told her mom. He was arrested and
found out she was only 14. His dream of
becoming a lawyer is over.
Illinois - Joseph was 18 and living with his 15
year old girlfriend at her parent's house.
When she found out she was pregnant, her
mother wanted her to have an abortion.
When she didn't, she called the cops on
Joseph. He is now a sex offender.
year old girlfriend at her parent's house.
When she found out she was pregnant, her
mother wanted her to have an abortion.
When she didn't, she called the cops on
Joseph. He is now a sex offender.
Illinois - Joshua was 19, dating a girl who
was 16. Her mother was okay with the
relationship and even stood by him during
the court proceedings. It was his own
mother who called the police. Life is been
terrible ever since.
was 16. Her mother was okay with the
relationship and even stood by him during
the court proceedings. It was his own
mother who called the police. Life is been
terrible ever since.
Illinois - Clint was 19 when he met and fell in
love with a girl who was 14. After she turned
15, she found out she was pregnant. The
police were called and he was arrested. Her
mother tried to get the charges dropped, but
no one would listen. They have been
together almost 10 years, are now married,
and have 2 children. Their kids can’t play
with other kids because parents are afraid.
Clint can’t take his own kids to the park, ball
games, school, daycare, or other places kids
gather.
love with a girl who was 14. After she turned
15, she found out she was pregnant. The
police were called and he was arrested. Her
mother tried to get the charges dropped, but
no one would listen. They have been
together almost 10 years, are now married,
and have 2 children. Their kids can’t play
with other kids because parents are afraid.
Clint can’t take his own kids to the park, ball
games, school, daycare, or other places kids
gather.
Illinois - Ashley was 18 when she began a
relationship with a girl who was 14 years old.
When the girlfriend ran away and ended up
at Ashley’s house, the father called the
police. Ashley was arrested, discharged from
the Army, and is now a registered sex
offender with the offense of “criminal sexual
abuse.”
relationship with a girl who was 14 years old.
When the girlfriend ran away and ended up
at Ashley’s house, the father called the
police. Ashley was arrested, discharged from
the Army, and is now a registered sex
offender with the offense of “criminal sexual
abuse.”
Illinois - James was 18 and met a girl on
MySpace who was also 18. They fell in love,
he asked her to marry him, and moved to
Illinois to be with her. After arriving in Illinois,
he went to her house thinking he would meet
her father, but he wasn’t home. He spent the
night. When her father got home the next
day, an argument ensued and the police
were called. It was then he found out she
was only 15. He was arrested and charged
with “criminal sexual assault.” The next day
he was released and dropped off at a shelter.
He is now a registered sex offender for the
next 10 years.
MySpace who was also 18. They fell in love,
he asked her to marry him, and moved to
Illinois to be with her. After arriving in Illinois,
he went to her house thinking he would meet
her father, but he wasn’t home. He spent the
night. When her father got home the next
day, an argument ensued and the police
were called. It was then he found out she
was only 15. He was arrested and charged
with “criminal sexual assault.” The next day
he was released and dropped off at a shelter.
He is now a registered sex offender for the
next 10 years.
MTV’s "True Life" Films Social Worker for Segment on Young Sex Offenders
National Association of Social Workers member Amie Eipers, MSW, LCSW, said a counseling
session she had with a young sex offender was filmed for MTV’s "True Life" series and could
make the final cut of the episode. [full article here]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
One-size-fits-all laws for sex offenders miss the mark
Justin Raxter is a 22-year-old college student. When he was 18, Raxter, of Loves Park, began
dating a girl who was 15. The age difference of three years did not seem important at time. He’ll
now spend more than three times that amount listed on the Illinois Sex Offender Registration.
A registry he said ruins people’s lives. [full article here]
National Association of Social Workers member Amie Eipers, MSW, LCSW, said a counseling
session she had with a young sex offender was filmed for MTV’s "True Life" series and could
make the final cut of the episode. [full article here]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
One-size-fits-all laws for sex offenders miss the mark
Justin Raxter is a 22-year-old college student. When he was 18, Raxter, of Loves Park, began
dating a girl who was 15. The age difference of three years did not seem important at time. He’ll
now spend more than three times that amount listed on the Illinois Sex Offender Registration.
A registry he said ruins people’s lives. [full article here]
| Illinois sex offender law could remove some young offenders from registry |