A bill to increase criminal penalties for the online cyberstalking of children was introduced in Congress this week.
The bill, called the Combat Online Predators, would increase criminal penalties for stalkers by up to five years if the victim is a minor. It also calls for the Attorney General and Department of Justice to evaluate Federal, State, and local efforts to enforce laws stalking laws to develop best practices.
“We have no higher responsibility than to protect our kids. We must do everything we can to forcefully respond to egregious instances of stalking and cyberstalking, especially when committed against minors – the most vulnerable among us,” Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), one of the bill’s sponsors said. “The Combat Online Predators Act ensures that, not only are we increasing penalties for these crimes, but we are also requiring federal law enforcement officials to constantly evaluate and update practices to combat this online harassment.”
The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA).
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“Enacting this bipartisan measure to strongly punish deviants who exploit the internet to terrorize children is a necessary and common-sense step Congress should take,” Toomey said. “I appreciate the work of Congressman Fitzpatrick on this matter and look forward to working with Senator Casey to get this legislation passed in the Senate.”
The Combat Online Predators Act was inspired by the story of the Zezzo family of Bucks County, Pa. Their teenaged daughter was cyberstalked by a friend’s father on social media. The father, 51 at the time, pleaded guilty only to a misdemeanor stalking charge and was sentenced to probation and counseling. Three years later, he began stalking again and was arrested by local police and sentenced to between 18 months and seven years in state prison.
“This bipartisan legislation would give law enforcement and judges additional tools to keep young victims safe from adults who have stalked them and targeted them online,” Casey said. “Stalking and cyberstalking offenses are uniquely invasive and distressing for victims and their families, especially when the victim is a minor. I urge my colleagues to support and swiftly pass this measure so that we can continue to fight against predatory behavior, keep our kids safe and ensure that they and their families have peace of mind.”
U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), who co-authored the legislation, said it would ensure that federal judges can give convicted defendants the prison sentence they deserve.
“One of the most important measures of an effective criminal justice system is how it responds to crimes against its most vulnerable victims. The Combat Online Predators Act will support prosecutors and create safer communities by enhancing the criminal penalties available against those convicted of stalking minors. We applaud Congressman Fitzpatrick’s commitment to this real and pressing criminal justice and community concern,” David LaBahn, president and CEO of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, said.