Increasing Grading on Corruption of Minor Charges in Cases Where the Perpetrator is a Person of Authority
January 7, 2025 11:29 AM to All House Members
Circulated By
Representative Chris Pielli
D House District 156
Along With
Rep. Joseph D'Orsie
R House District 47
Memo
Too often, people with authority in our society who should serve as mentors and role models abuse their position and prey on minors. Several such cases have occurred recently in our state. Just in August of this year, a former educator at Philadelphia’s High School for Girls plead guilty to corruption of a minor after facing charges for attempting to sexually abuse and exploit a young girl there. For such a serious crime, especially when committed by someone with special power over the victim, the punishment is far too light.
To rectify this issue, our legislation would increase the grading to a felony of the third degree for when the perpetrator is a peace officer or employee of a school and they have had sexual contact with a minor in their professional care. In addition, it would make it a felony of the second degree if one of these individuals corrupts, aids, abets, entices, or encourages any minor in the commission of a sexual offense. This bill would provide for extra accountability should someone in one of these roles decide to use the influence of their position to harm a child that they should be helping instead.
It’s imperative that we take steps to keep our children safe from predators who might abuse their position to corrupt children. This legislation is aimed at dissuading any future cases of sexual corruption of minors. Please join us in protecting our children from harm.
To rectify this issue, our legislation would increase the grading to a felony of the third degree for when the perpetrator is a peace officer or employee of a school and they have had sexual contact with a minor in their professional care. In addition, it would make it a felony of the second degree if one of these individuals corrupts, aids, abets, entices, or encourages any minor in the commission of a sexual offense. This bill would provide for extra accountability should someone in one of these roles decide to use the influence of their position to harm a child that they should be helping instead.
It’s imperative that we take steps to keep our children safe from predators who might abuse their position to corrupt children. This legislation is aimed at dissuading any future cases of sexual corruption of minors. Please join us in protecting our children from harm.
Legislation
Document - Introduced as HB 355
Increasing Grading on Corruption of Minor Charges in Cases Where the Perpetrator is a Person of Authority
January 7, 2025 11:29 AM to All House Members
Circulated By
PIELLI and D'ORSIE
Memo
Too often, people with authority in our society who should serve as mentors and role models abuse their position and prey on minors. Several such cases have occurred recently in our state. Just in August of this year, a former educator at Philadelphia’s High School for Girls plead guilty to corruption of a minor after facing charges for attempting to sexually abuse and exploit a young girl there. For such a serious crime, especially when committed by someone with special power over the victim, the punishment is far too light.
To rectify this issue, our legislation would increase the grading to a felony of the third degree for when the perpetrator is a peace officer or employee of a school and they have had sexual contact with a minor in their professional care. In addition, it would make it a felony of the second degree if one of these individuals corrupts, aids, abets, entices, or encourages any minor in the commission of a sexual offense. This bill would provide for extra accountability should someone in one of these roles decide to use the influence of their position to harm a child that they should be helping instead.
It’s imperative that we take steps to keep our children safe from predators who might abuse their position to corrupt children. This legislation is aimed at dissuading any future cases of sexual corruption of minors. Please join us in protecting our children from harm.
To rectify this issue, our legislation would increase the grading to a felony of the third degree for when the perpetrator is a peace officer or employee of a school and they have had sexual contact with a minor in their professional care. In addition, it would make it a felony of the second degree if one of these individuals corrupts, aids, abets, entices, or encourages any minor in the commission of a sexual offense. This bill would provide for extra accountability should someone in one of these roles decide to use the influence of their position to harm a child that they should be helping instead.
It’s imperative that we take steps to keep our children safe from predators who might abuse their position to corrupt children. This legislation is aimed at dissuading any future cases of sexual corruption of minors. Please join us in protecting our children from harm.
Document
Introduced as HB 355
Generated 04/24/2025 05:17 PM