House Republican Press Release

July 31, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Williams: CT’s Jessica’s Law Means Zero Tolerance for Child Sex Predators

New Law Sets Tough Mandatory Sentences for Sexual Assaults on Minors; Child Pornography Possession

Governor M. Jodi Rell today sent a stern message to sexual offenders who target minors by holding a symbolic bill-signing ceremony for Connecticut’s version of Jessica’s Law, which establishes mandatory minimum sentences for child sex predators, said state Representative Sean Williams, who cosponsored the new law.

“Governor Rell did the right thing by holding a high-profile bill-signing ceremony for this new law,” said Representative Williams, R-68^th District. “It put child sex predators on notice that if they assault minors under the age of 13 in Connecticut, they will be going to prison for a very long time. It will take dangerous offenders who prey on children off the street and keep them locked up and unable to repeat their crimes for years at a time. It also will be a strong deterrent that will make potential child sex offenders think two or three times before giving in to their worst impulses.”

The law establishes the crime of aggravated sexual assault, which targets individuals who commit certain crimes against a child under age 13.

Under the legislation, aggravated sexual assault of a minor is a Class A felony, punishable by 25 to 50 years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. For first offenders, the mandatory minimum prison term is 25 years. For subsequent offenders, it is 50 years, Representative Williams said.

In addition, the law targets the increasing number of child sex crimes committed online by establishing mandatory minimum prison terms for adults who use the Internet to attempt to entice a child age 13 and under into sexual contact, Representative Williams said. 

The law also provides mandatory minimum sentences for other offenses involving minors, including: having sexual or indecent contact with a child under age 13, employing a minor in an obscene performance, importing child pornography or possessing child pornography, Representative Williams said.

The law took effect July 1^st.