August 19, 2009

LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox and six state legislators today announced Internet child protection legislation which would ban convicted Internet child sex predators from social networking websites like MySpace and Facebook, require Internet child sex offenders to appear on the state sex offender registry, and mandate lengthier sentences for possession and distribution of child pornography.

Cox was joined by representatives of the Michigan Sheriffs' Association, the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.   

"Make no mistake, child predators are online and looking for their next victim," said Cox.  "As technology evolves, Michigan must use innovative methods to protect our children."

Cox cited his office's arrest of 246 arrests of Internet child sex predators since 2003 as ample evidence of the dangers children currently face online, including nine arrested in a Livingston County sting last weekend.  While his office has taught the award-winning Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative program to more than 400,000 children, changes to state law are also needed to make the Internet a safer place for kids. 

Cox announced the introduction of three bills:

·         Banning registered Internet child sex predators from social networking websites, like Facebook, MySpace and craigslist, with a felony penalty for violations. (Sponsors: Sen. Bruce Patterson, Canton; Rep. Joe Haveman, Holland)

·         Mandating that Internet child sex predators be placed on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry.  Current law contains a loophole that does not require Internet offenders register. (Sponsors: Sen. Alan Cropsey, DeWitt; Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker, Lawton)

·         Increasing sentencing for possession and distribution of child pornography.  The bill would require increased sentences for possession and distribution of multiple pornographic images. (Sponsors: Sen. Wayne Kuipers, Holland; Rep. Matt Lori, Constantine) 

Sponsors and representatives of Michigan's law enforcement community spoke out in support of the bills.

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III: "Michigan's prosecutors believe this is an important step in protecting our children...Behind every sickening photo, there is a child who is victimized.  The Prosecutors Association strongly supports this provision."

Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker: "The recent arrests in Howell are a clear indication that this legislation is imperative for the protection of Michigan's children.  If these disturbed individuals are this committed to preying upon vulnerable kids, we need to ensure the punishment is just as severe and that the public is aware they are predators."

Sen. Alan Cropsey: "When I voted in 1994 to establish the sex offender registry, the internet as we know it didn't even exist.  Today, some of the most heinous sexual crimes against children are organized using computers.  By adding internet predators to the sex offender registry, this bill will finally give all of us the notice we need to best protect our children."

Terry Jungel, Executive Director of the Michigan Sheriffs' Association: "We have always worried about predators entering our child's bedrooms though an open window.  Now that window is on our child's computer."

Rep. Matt Lori, a former sheriff, from Constantine: "The Internet is an essential part of everyday life for kids growing up today, but for all their computer savvy, children are still vulnerable to predators who hide behind the anonymity of the Internet to lure their victims."

Rep. Joe Haveman: "As a father of four, I know firsthand how popular these social networking sites are with our youth.  I believe it is important to keep sexual predators out of the cyberspace communities."

Livingston County Prosecutor David Morse, on behalf of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan: "These bills to keep predators off of social networks are part of a focused effort to keep our kids safe on line.  Together with the Attorney General, we are educating children and parents about Internet safety, conducting Internet stings to catch predators like the nine individuals just arrested by the AG's Internet crime unit and the Livingston County Sheriff, and once we convict them, this legislation completes the circle by restricting their Internet access to children."

Citizens can report suspected Internet child predators by calling the Attorney General's Child and Public Protection Unit at (313) 456-0180.  Parents and schools may also contact the Attorney General's office for information on our award-winning educational program, the Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative (Michigan CSI), which has been taught to more than 400,000 Michigan children. 

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