Dewhurst, Abbott Want Death Penalty For Sexual Predators
POSTED: 9:02 am CDT October 4,
2006
UPDATED: 9:15 am CDT October 4,
2006
AUSTIN, Texas -- Two top Texas leaders want to put child predators to death.Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and state Attorney General Greg Abbott called Tuesday for tougher laws on sexual predators who solicit minors online, including requiring the death penalty for repeat offenders who prey on minors."It takes only seconds for sexual predators to reach our children online," Dewhurst said. "But it may take a lifetime to recover from sexual victimization."
Dewhurst and Abbott are both Republicans running for re-election next month. Under Dewhurst's plan, Texas law would toughen penalties for certain sex crimes involving minors:Allow prosecutors to seek consecutive prison sentences for online solicitation of a minor and boost the penalty for adults who solicit children under 16. Increase penalties from sexually explict online communications between an adult and children 14-16 years old. Expand reward programs for reporting offenders. Require companies to comply with a 48-hour time period to respond to subpoenas, search warrants or court orders. Create a clearinghouse in the attorney general's office of Internet service providers' contact information. Dewhurst presides over the state Senate. His campaign said he will travel the state in the coming weeks to discuss his plan.Both Dewhurst and Abbott are running for relection.
Copyright 2006 by nbc5i.com The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.









