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Rep. Sue Jeskewitz (608) 266-3796
(Madison) … State Representative Sue Jeskewitz (R-Menomonee Falls) is pleased by the quick action taken by the Committee on Criminal Justice yesterday to vote on her bill to require mandatory minimum sentences for Internet Sexual Predators. Jeskewitz and her colleagues, State Representative Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) and Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), worked together on Assembly Bill 942 and its companion, Senate Bill 580.
“These predators are the worst of the worst,” exclaimed Jeskewitz. “All the evidence I’ve seen indicates that these people are repeat offenders with multiple victims. I am just sorry that a number of my colleagues on the committee don’t understand that the only way to keep our children safe is to lock these monsters up.” Four members of the committee (Reps. Turner, Black, Kessler, & Grigsby) voted against the bill.
Jeskewitz attended a presentation, in Butler, Wisconsin, by Eric Szatkowski, an investigator from the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Szatkowski outlined severe discrepancies between federal and state sentencing guidelines and practices for sex offenders. He also provided detailed evidence that the internet is serving as a communication tool for sex offenders where they can discuss ways to lure children and exchange tips on seduction techniques.
“Between 2003 and 2005 in Wisconsin, 75% of men who were convicted for child pornography did not serve even one day in state prison but were released back onto the streets to prey on our children,” stated Jeskewitz. “The worst part about this type of crime is that children’s images continue to be downloaded or traded long after the first act of sexual exploitation has occurred.”
“I am hearing from a number of parents across Wisconsin who have seen Eric’s presentation and heard about my bill,” commented Jeskewitz. “They are saying, ‘Sue, I’m willing to spend whatever it takes, we have to protect our children from these monsters.’”
Jeskewitz is hoping that AB 942 will be scheduled for a vote by the full Legislature and signed by the Governor before the end of this legislative session.
