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Posted: July 28, 2008

Gov. Easley signs 'Jessica's Law'

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Gov. Mike Easley

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Gov. Mike Easley

GASTONIA, N.C. — Sex offenders who commit certain crimes against children will face at least 25 years in prison under a new North Carolina law.

Gov. Mike Easley on Monday signed into law a measure which raises the penalties for adult offenders who commit certain sex crimes against children - including rape. The new law requires judges to sentence child sex offenders to a minimum 25 years in prison. Offenders who are released will be monitored by satellite for life.

The measure, which is known as Jessica's Law, is named after former Gaston County resident Jessica Lunsford. In 2005, the 9-year-old was kidnapped, raped and buried alive by a convicted sex offender in Florida.

Jessica's father, Mark Lunsford, attended the bill signing ceremony which was held in the county seat of Gastonia.

RELATED TOPICS: Gaston County, Florida Keys Oil Spill

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10 Comments


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Latest Comments
Child rape is often reduced to indecent liberties with a child, an offense often not punishable by any prison time. I do not think harsher punishments for child rape would change anything. The courts are too overfilled to make a difference.
amlebede
July 29, 2008 12:21 p.m.
If history repeats itself, this is another knee jerk reactionary law that will not be enforced. A lot of our so called "minimum sentences" are not followed at all, not since the structured sentencing was passed some time ago.
Click to view my profile chfdcpt
July 29, 2008 11:21 a.m.
It is time to really protect the innocent children from perverts. This is good news!
koolady
July 28, 2008 6:32 p.m.
Mike, Job Well Done! *Love you Jesse*
Click to view my profile Sweet Butterfly Kisses
July 28, 2008 5:49 p.m.
Im sure this will also allow parents to monitor their children LESS when theyre online.
Click to view my profile AX
July 28, 2008 5:26 p.m.
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