The Louisiana legislature has passed a bill allowing judges to order surgical castration for individuals convicted of certain sex crimes against children under 13. If signed by Governor Jeff Landry, Louisiana would be the first state to implement such a punishment. The bill, which received overwhelming support from the Republican-dominated legislature, aims to serve as a deterrent and an additional step in punishing severe crimes. Critics argue it constitutes "cruel and unusual punishment."
Massachusetts State Police arrest two Level 2 sex offender friends, Timothy Brown and Kenneth Higgins, for alleged possession of child pornography. Brown, a Chelsea man with prior convictions for indecent assault and battery on a child, was found with thousands of photos and videos of child sexual abuse material on his phone. Higgins, a Revere man, was found with hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material on his phone and is currently on probation for a previous child pornography conviction. The investigation was initiated after a cyber tip was provided to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, leading to the arrests and charges for both individuals.
In some states, law enforcement agencies take extra safety measures on Halloween to keep sex offenders away from children. Measures include home checks, curfews, and restrictions on decorations and candy distribution. Critics argue that these measures are invasive and unnecessary, as the majority of child sex crimes are committed by family members or acquaintances. However, law enforcement agencies prioritize caution and provide resources such as sex offender locators for parents to ensure child safety during Halloween.
An Oklahoma state lawmaker is planning to introduce legislation to prevent the early release of certain sex offenders after a convicted rapist killed six people, including five children, before his trial. Jesse McFadden had served 17 years in prison for a 2003 rape conviction and was released in October 2020 after complying with state laws that allow for prisoners to be released early. The proposal would prevent inmates convicted of rape and child sexual abuse from being released early.
