North Carolina has too many individuals in Raleigh that are just too soft on crime. These individuals do not want to increase penalties; this is so they will not have to spend money on building prisons. This behavior made evident from seeing what happen recently, with the Gang Bill as well as HB 933, The Jessica Lunsford Act aka. Jessica’s Law. These individuals rather spend money on trivial items, rather than on dealing with crime or protecting our children.
From Washington to Raleigh our lawmakers do not want to deal with the prison’s problems because of what it will cost them to fully correct and handle the situations. In other words, it is a mess. Jessica’s Law has adversity by North Carolina Legislators. The thinking in Washington towards Gang Problems is no different by our North Carolina lawmakers. North Carolina State Senator Malcolm Graham pushed for the last year for legislation that would have helped rectified our gang problems. This much – needed legislation was defeated due to lack of money and politics at their best.
Example 1 Washington: Various people lobbied for the proposed Street Gang Prevention Act. The proposed act would increase jail time for gang related crimes committed by gang members. It met with stiff opposition that wanted another proposal, using programs that are more social and study committees.
Example 2 Raleigh: Large groups of people, for several years, have lobbied for Jessica’s Law for North Carolina. The law would increase jail time for sex offenders, as well as provide stiff penalties. Our legislators say, it is too costly and the additional costs are a concern, because prison cost the state would endure. We want programs to help rehabilitate sex offenders in and out of jail. What we do not need or want, are trivial programs.
The compromising actions by our state legislation for sex offenders have sickened thousands of us. Our local, state leaders could have made a stand but they chose not to. Parents wanted the full force of Jessica’s Law. While some will say, “We have made a crack down on sex offenders;” a child who has been abused would say, “It was compromised and made ineffective.”
Taking a non-political stand various individuals, groups and organizations have formed an action group called, “Jessica’s Law Now North Carolina.” The Group formed in response to apathetic lawmakers, who are dithering about Jessica’s Law rather than making a solid difference toward protecting our children. This formed coalition is tired of all the prolonging games and excuses our lawmakers, have made when it comes to our children.
Concerned citizens banded together to make a stand with North Carolina Representative Tim Moore and Mark Lunsford, with the hopes of seeing the passage of HB 933 / the Jessica Lunsford Act for North Carolina. Jessica Lunsford came from Gaston County, North Carolina before moving to Florida. Jessica Lunsford, a 9-year-old girl who had been sexually abused, kidnapped, and buried alive in Florida. In the memory of Mark Lunsford’s daughter Jessica, a law was introduced to enforce stricter penalties for Sex Offenders this law was named Jessica’s Law.
Two years ago, North Carolina Representative Julia C. Howard presented Bill 1921, a stronger version of Jessica’s Law that would have had mandatory sentencing, higher registration requirements, as well as a GPS monitoring of sexual offenders. This would have helped to provide crucial information for school officials and law enforcement. Arming the judicial system with the ability to give harsher sentences to sex offenders, particularly repeat offenders, thus protecting the public. Sadly enough Representative Julia C. Howard could not get HB 1921 heard.
North Carolina Representative Tim Moore introduced HB 933 / the Jessica Lunsford Act for North Carolina this past year. On Tuesday, April 24, 2007 the Judiciary II Committee met to discuss various bills, one of the bills discussed was HB 933 / the Jessica Lunsford Act for North Carolina. Some committee members were concerned with the length of the bill. North Carolina Representative Julia C. Howard summarized the 11-paged Bill to committee members.
A few committee members felt that the bill was too long to read, even though it summarized to them. North Carolina Representative Dan Blue, the chairman of the Judiciary II Committee felt that a sub-committee should take the 11-paged bill and re-summarize a report back to the Judiciary II Committee by May 17, 2007. As of June 8, 2007, House Bill 933 Jessica Lunsford Act for North Carolina has been idling in the wings.
Interesting that Judiciary II Committee met April 24, 2007, a day before Mark Lunsford was coming to make a plea to North Carolina lawmakers for HB 933, the Jessica Lunsford Act for North Carolina aka. Jessica’s Law.
Representative Tim Moore had to fight this past year have HB 933 heard before a sub-committee. This has been due to Representative Chairman Dan Blue dragging his feet about HB 933. Chairman Dan Blue assigned HB 933 to a sub-committee April 24, 2007, due to the length of bill. Interestingly, many other bills that had basic same amount of length had not met with same difficulty.
Since the sub-committee meeting, it was determined that HB 933 Jessica Lunsford Act is too costly. Again, our legislators want to put a price tag on welfare of our children. Funny that other state – Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, California, Florida and South Carolina – seems not having that same problem. For some insane reason North Carolina does with legislation regarding our children’s welfare.
For over three years that our lawmakers have not done anything but act busy, as this bill, and others languish in committees. For the sake of our children, North Carolina needs to get tough on Sex Offenders and pass Jessica’s Law before it is too late. The more delays, the more children fall through the cracks and become victims. North Carolina is getting a reputation of being soft on crime and on sex offenders.
The past year, we have seen numerous gubernatorial candidates using Jessica’s Law for political gain, as to look tough on the stance of Sex Offenders and Crime. In fact, they stood by as crime and these offenses only worsened.
In addition, this past year members of the North Carolina House for getting Jessica’s Law passed made many suggestions. North Carolina Representatives have made it abundantly clear we need money behind the law and that we “the people” should obtain a lobbyist that can take care of our(the Representative) needs. Then another member of the North Carolina House felt we should pay his costs, to go around the state and give speeches to garner support for Jessica’s Law. We had both Democratic Representatives and Republican Representatives say; “we should get involved with the leadership of their particular party, so the party can look good because that is what is important.”
We say, our children are not Democrats or Republicans, nor should we have to pay for the passage of Jessica’s Law. Our message is simple, pass Jessica’s Law and make a difference for our children.
Jessica’s Law Now North Carolina issued warrants for Judiciary II Committee, Sub- Committee, and Speaker of the House well as other members of North Carolina House. Organization requested people to call our representatives on both sides and urge them to do right thing and pass HB 933, the Jessica Lunsford Act aka. Jessica’s Law. A good number of people contacted various individuals of the Judiciary II Committee, Sub- Committee, and Speaker of the House, as well as other members of North Carolina House. Various House and Committee members made it clear they did not like to hear from the people they allegedly represent, because it placed them on the hot seat, and rightfully so.
Our courts have seen number of sex offense cases involving offenders has risen dramatically in North Carolina.
On April 16, 2008, Mark Lunsford told Jessica’s Law Now North Carolina, “What happened to my daughter should have never happened, and I’m working to make sure it doesn’t happen to another child. It saddens me to know my home state of North Carolina has not yet passed Jessie’s Law. I won’t rest until we do.”
We need our local and state officials still push for stronger laws against molestation. North Carolina still does not have strong enough punishment for the molestation of minors and Jessica’s Law would ensure that change. Sex offenders are moving specifically into states that have soft laws, such as North Carolina.
“We should all work together to make sure that Jessica’s Law is passed in all fifty states. There are presently 15 states that have not yet passed any form of Jessica’s Law, it saddens me to think that my home state of Tennessee and North Carolina where I grew up are included in the list of states that have not passed Jessica’s Law. I do not know why, but I intend to find out.” God Bless, Charlie Daniels
Since Charlie Daniels made this statement last year, laws have become stricter in Tennessee for sex offenders. Tennessee now has a version of Jessica’s Law. North Carolina is one of several states that has not step up to the plate for Jessica’s Law. We hope that changes soon!
Governor Schwarzenegger joined California state legislators with the support of the Sexual Predator Punishment and Control Act aka. Jessica’s Law. Governor Schwarzenegger made it clear through his speech’s we want our schools and children safe from sexual predators. He urged the California Legislature to pass this particular legislation.
California Governor’s Schwarzenegger office informed me, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger would hope that any state that does not have Jessica’s Law would reconsider.
Governor Easley’s office made it clear. in all their correspondences of last two years that North Carolina has strict laws for sex offenders. If that is the case Governor Easley, why are sex offenders and repeat offenders still able to victimize children of North Carolina?
In 2007, our State Attorney General Roy Cooper realizes North Carolina laws are lenient on sex offenders. We are grateful for his public stance, on calling for harsher penalties and laws against sex offenders. Often, administrations have failed to make law enforcement aware of the placement of paroled sex offenders in their communities, thus allowing violent sex offenders to go freely roam our communities. By not providing mandatory hearings and stricter penalties for non-compliances, they take the power away from our law enforcers.
These weak laws have allowed dangerous parolees to remain free, even after they violated parole. Psychological damage inflicted on defenseless children lasts a lifetime, if they survive. Sexual predators are always looking for their next victim.
North Carolina has many sex offenders who have fallen thought the cracks. By changing their identity and not re-registering once moved, these offenders manipulate the system. Fatherless child is an easy target for sex offenders. Sex offenders love when a father is not around, because the child is starving for male attention. Among girls that are 15 and younger that become pregnant, about 60 to 80 percent are by adult men. Girls between 11 and 13, who have been sexually involved with men more than five years their age, are significantly likely to attempt suicide. Today, junior high school girls are likely to become pregnant by an adult than by someone their own age.
According to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one in four teenage girls nationally has some form of sexually transmitted disease, or more than 3 million teens, according to the first study of its kind in this age group.
These alarming statistics are due to the dysfunctional structure of the family unit and lack of parental guidance in many cases. We have many children that act out, which is an outcry for their parent’s love and guidance. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide for their child and teach sensible morals, so that child can function as a responsible adult. Today, this has become so off balanced for many reasons; just look what we allow as a society.
Today, the loving and caring environment towards children has become tarnish and corrupt. As a society, we need to take a stand and make a difference for the sake of our society’s future.
The job of our schools is to teach our children and provide knowledge for learning in a safe environment. Never less, one has to ask what has happened to our schools. where a child is sexual abused by educators or children are in fear for their safety. There are many reasons, let us look at the root of the problem.
School districts throughout nation get rid of or swap teachers in trouble because sexual misconduct. School administrators call this “Pass the Trash.” Until teachers and school officials fired or force to resign because of sexual misconduct with students reported to State Education Department and FBI, our schools are a Sex Offenders Playground. A Data Base should be available for all schools through a national system. This is just another reason North Carolina needs harsher and stricter laws toward sex offenders. Charlotte – Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Peter Gorman admitted blowing it with their background checks. Sadly, CMS has hired questionable employee’s that should have never set foot around our children. Until the laws become harsher and the cracks sealed up, our children remain vulnerable!
As the saying goes, “if you can’t do the time then do not do the crime.” This is how this mother feels, about what had occurred with my child assaulted by a sex offender. I feel that North Carolina Laws are still not strict enough, when it comes to sex offenders. Even thought the sex offender had a tracking device, it was not enough to stop him. The tracking device only was a record of his where- bouts. If the device would have made it clear to authorities that he was in area, that he was not allowed to be in, then my child would not have endure the reoccurring nightmares of the assault. This is why; I have joined in with Jessica’s Law Now North Carolina, to make a difference in our state laws. So other children will not be robbed of their innocence and find themselves at the hands and mercy of a monster. Today, my child lives daily with this nightmare and sees a clinical psychiatrist twice a week. As a parent, I can only hope that your child never has to endure such lost of mortality.
My next-door neighbor was sexually abusing me for sometime. I was afraid to tell anybody about this. I had just turn seven years old when I encounter our new neighbor. He was active with my school and I liked his wife. His wife would watch me after school. When mom was gone, I would stay with them. Since I never had a father, I felt that Jeff was someone that would fill my desirer of father.
It started, one night his wife was gone and Jeff took pictures of me. I was in my nightshirt and he had me raise my shirt up and camera click. Then in time, Jeff would hold me so tightly I could not breathe. Jeff would be holding me and we be rolling around together. I could feel his hands and fingers between my legs. I told him did not like this but he just look at me. I did not like him putting his penis in my mouth and other places. I have lost so much to this bastard, who has ripped out my soul and tormented my body.
Many situations have occurred like this throughout North Carolina and Jessica’s Law Now North Carolina is fighting help make the difference. Sadly, 80% of females in the porn industry been sexually abused.
1.) Ever believe that your child been sexually abused, do not be afraid to report it nor blame yourself. Report the abuse to the police immediately.
4.) Stay with your child through each step of the investigation giving them support and encouragement.
5.) Convey that your child they are no way responsible for what they encountered. Being reassurance of encouragement and support will help your child.
6.) Have a physician see your child for an examined soon as possible. This is not only important for your child’s welfare, but it will help the authority’s document evidence.
7.) Stay with your child; why the doctor is examining your child and give support with encouragement. Remember that this child has gone through a horrible ordeal and they are terrified.
9.) Very important, your child receives experienced counseling from a counselor that is experienced handling child abuse. Talk with the doctor that examines your child and child advocate for suggestions of somebody. Remember that both parties are familiar with the situation and will have child’s best interest.
Like North Carolina many states have a growing problem when comes to kidnapping and selling of children. One of the major cities throughout the United States Atlanta, GA. found that the average age of victims is 14, but girls that are 11 and younger have been sold.
Various dating services, escort services and strip clubs throughout North Carolina have a connection with sex trafficking. These businesses may appear legal, but are fronts for major prostitution rings. Even brothels have sprung up throughout various cities and communities in North Carolina. Several of these brothels, strip clubs and escort services been linked. These businesses have pipelines not only to each other, but also other states as well as over seas. Most of the human trafficking has been under-aged girls. Brothels have lured local girls well as run a-ways. It been estimated that North Carolina could have 80 or more brothels in parts of the state, said federal law enforcement. In a discussion with various government agency stated by 2012 that trafficking of children will out do illegal arms and drugs.
Let us look at what these girls encounter in a brothel daily. First, these girls endure physical and mental abuse at all times. This places these girls in a state of constant fear, for their lives, as well as for the lives of their families. These girls are forced to perform various sexual acts every 12 to 35 minutes. Any kind of sexual act must be performed on demand, or the girl will encounter harsh physical consequences. We have found out that various known businesses, officials and politicians, as well as well-known people have been linked to sex trafficking.
Realize this North Carolina, we are a trucking through fare. What had better place to hock this trade? We need to protect those who been victimized like this. Think about it. Remember, it could be your child in this horrific position, wouldn’t you want them to receive help?
Greensboro Police have found several prostitution trafficking rings past several years. May 2004, Home Depot Security Guard saw a large number of vehicles escorting young girls into a van. This became North Carolinas largest Human Trafficking case, so far. Greensboro Police held over 20 people for various charges including prostitution trafficking. Greensboro Police have had several brothels that were on Phillips Avenue, Rainbow Street, Gurrant Street, and Freeman Mill Road. Numbers of strip clubs linked to human trafficking connections.
Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Fayetteville and Charlotte Police have encountered same situations of human trafficking of under aged girls with brothels. North Carolina law enforcement also found escort services and strip clubs that were prostitution rings. Findings show that our legal authorities come up short when comes to protecting our children.
Each year, almost 1 million American children experience abuse and neglect. Approximately 1,400 of those children killed each year from abuse, more than three-quarters of fatalities because of abuse involve children younger than 4 years old. Each week, child protective services agencies in the United States receive more than 50,000 reports of child abuse or neglect, and annually, nearly 900,000 of these cases substantiated.
In 2006-2007, North Carolina had 111,000 children reported Abused and Neglected. Data shows children in North Carolina are abused or neglected every 15 minutes and that actual sexual abuse of children are 15 times greater than officially reported in North Carolina.
Presently, 10,000 registered Sex Offenders move to a new address or jobs daily. Children, women, elderly, incapacitated or handicapped people are especially at risk from sexual predators. Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh are no different; each city has a large number of registered sexual offenders.
North Carolina has 13,900 sex offenders register and with a population of 8,227 in thousand, it comes to 1,689.6 per million. Remember that this does not count un-register sex offenders.
8.) More than 1 million people yearly are trafficked throughout international borders against their will.
9.) Shared Hope International studies show 600,000 to 800,000 individuals are trafficked across international borders each year: 80 percent of them are women and under age girls.
10.) The C.I.A. estimates 50,000 and 100,000 girls, boys and women are trafficked annually into the United States to pimp out or sold for forced sex.
We hope that North Carolina lawmakers will take a stand for tougher laws against child predators. This past year, we voiced our outraged to North Carolina lawmakers for failing to provide stricter laws against sex offenders. Remember, North Carolina General Assembly our children should not be viewed as Democratic or Republican issues this is a human safety issue. Please do not allow politics and compromise to get in the way of protecting our families.
At the end of the 2007 legislative session, HB 933 / Jessica Lunsford Act passed the N.C. House. As we were told by N.C. State Senator, “Don’t celebrate too quickly because there is a reason why the N.C. House waited this late to run the bill. Remember, it took the N.C. House five months pass HB 933 / Jessica Lunsford Act.”
It is unlikely the N.C. Senate will take it up before adjournment.” Yes, we saw politics at its worst again. Presently, HB 933, Jessica Lunsford Act is now pending with Senate Ref Judiciary I Committee (Civil). If favorable, it would re-ref to the Appropriations / Base Budget, and if favorable to the Senate for a vote.
We were hopeful that N.C. State Senator Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Chairman of the [S] Judiciary I Committee would help HB 933 Jessica Lunsford Act to move forward into becoming law. Sadly this did not occur. Several concerned members of the North Carolina House well as the North Carolina Senate tried their best, but politics simply just got in the way.
The short session of the state legislation started in May and we will see just how Senate Ref Judiciary I Committee (Civil) handles HB 933 Jessica Lunsford Act.
Ms. Summer, who works with North Carolina State Senator Hoyle’s Office, told me that Senator Hoyle is very concerned about problems regarding sex offenders, in North Carolina and laws are lacking. Senator Hoyle is a member of the Senate Ref Judiciary I Committee (Civil) and that HB 933 Jessica Lunsford Act is pending. Senator Hoyle is planning to do everything in his power to see HB 933 Jessica Lunsford Act becomes an active law. State Senator Hoyle thinks we should go even stricter, in his opinion.
Wednesday, May 13, 2008 I received a very promising phone call from staff member Ms. Summers of N.C. State Senator Hoyle’s office. Ms. Summers was updating me on the progress with HB 933. Ms. Summer told me, that she has spoken with State Senator Hoyle and wanted me let you all know the following and I quote “ This bill is going to be heard and is going be passed in next 10 days or two weeks.”
North Carolina State Senator Hunt has been in favor of HB 933 Jessica Lunsford Act aka. Jessica’s Law. State Senator Hunt feels that folks need to email, call their district North Carolina State Senator, and tell them support HB 933 Jessica Lunsford Act aka. Jessica’s Law.
Over the past several years, I have given time to push for tougher laws, regarding sex crimes, especially on sexual predators. Personally, I have worked with sexually abused children and have seen the effects. Words cannot even begin to describe seeing the rape of child’s innocent soul. The soul is amputated and takes a lifetime to repair, if ever!
John Paul Jones made his stand and was not going down without a fight and I am the same. I say, “I have not yet begun to fight.”
1.) Contact N.C. State Senator Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Chairman of the [S] Judiciary I Committee and ask him to support HB 933 Jessica Lunsford Act aka. Jessica’s Law.
2.) Contacts your local state senator, make sure they are aware of this legislation, and ask them too help support it. Once HB 933 Jessica Lunsford Act of N.C. becomes effective, our state will have a solid foundation toward the laws dealing with sex offenders.
CHAIRMAN, Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. (Buncombe CO.)
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