Sex Offender Bill

10/30/2005

One of South Dakota's Senators plans to introduce a bill to help crack down on sex offenders.  Some legislators believe stricter laws can help save lives.

In 2003, Dru Sjodin, a University of North Dakota Student, disappeared outside a Grand Forks mall. A convicted sex offender is accused of murdering her.

In May, 9 year old Shasta Groene and her brother Dylan disappeared from their home in Idaho.  Another convicted sex offender is charged with kidnapping and murder in the deaths of 4 people, including Shasta's bother Dylan. South Dakota leaders are hoping to prevent tragic stories like these.

South Dakota Senator Gene Abdallah says "it seems to be a epidemic around the country."

8 year old Jessica DeLaTorre of Sioux Falls was kidnapped, raped, and murdered in April. Murray Jones admitted to her murder, and is now serving 3 consecutive life sentences.  Because of cases like these legislators are working on a bill to keep children safe from sex crimes.

The proposed bill would require anyone convicted of molestation or rape of a child 12 years and younger to serve a minimum sentence of 25 years in the state penitentiary.

If passed, the law would also require level three convicted sex offenders to wear a global positioning system, or GPS, ankle bracelet.

Abdallah says "I just feel that, they're not tough enough, they're not strong enough, you know what price do you put on an 8 year old girls life."

Abdallah plans to introduce the bill in next year's session.  If passed the law could take effect as early as July 1st, next year.  Abdallah says he expects it'll pass easily.

"Now I don't expect 100% support, there's always different reasons for why they don't, I anticipate when we get done and ready to introduce this bill, we'll get wide support, bi-partisan support."

If this bill passes, it would be one of the most restrictive laws in KELOLAND.  Other states have joined the national sex offender registry, but South Dakota is not yet part of that.

© 2005 KELO-TV