Home » Women's Interest Articles » Millions of Federal Dollars Flow into Washington to Fight Prostitution
Millions of Federal Dollars Flow into Washington to Fight Prostitution
Seattle police have new resources at their disposal that will be used to put offenders involved with underage prostitutes behind bars.
October 21, 2011 /Womens Interest PR News/ -- Spurred by a series of federal grants, Washington law enforcement agencies are preparing to launch an intensive initiative targeting teen prostitution and the sexual exploitation of children. Backed by new, stronger sex crime laws, the initiative has the potential to sweep a wide segment of those accused of prostitution deep into the justice system.
Grants Meant To Fight Child Sexual Exploitation
Grants for child sex abuse enforcement have primarily been funneled into King and Snohomish counties. In September, Snohomish County received $449,908 from the U.S. Department of Justice to fund a law enforcement team solely focused on child sex trafficking. The Seattle Police Department received two grants from federal agencies, $292,000 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and $500,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Snohomish County has earmarked the money for a detective, a prosecutor and a host of support staff and expert witnesses dedicated to bringing down those involved in child sex crimes. The Seattle PD intends to use the influx of cash to add a new two-year position in addition to funding equipment, training and overtime needs associated with sex crimes enforcement.
Severe Sex Crime Penalties
Recent updates to Washington law have ratcheted up the potential penalties facing convicted pimps and johns. Promoting the commercial sexual abuse of a minor is now a Class A felony carrying a sentence of seven to 10 years, up from a two year prison term under previous provisions.
Johns, the men who pay for sex, also face increased penalties for involvement with underage prostitutes. Formerly, the maximum jail sentence was 90 days; now, johns incarcerated for sex with a minor could be behind bars as long as two years. In addition, new court fines can amount to thousands of dollars. Even johns who are mistaken as to the age of a prostitute and are not intentionally soliciting a juvenile can be severely punished under Washington's sex crime sentencing scheme.
Protect Yourself
Even an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor can have disastrous consequences; unfortunately, an accusation of a sex crime has become the modern equivalent of a witch hunt. The recent federal grants mean Seattle enforcement agencies will be under increased pressure to produce results and secure convictions. If you have been accused of a sex crime, do not let this renewed fervor change your life forever: contact a Seattle sex crimes defense attorney today.
Article provided by Rhodes & Meryhew, LLP
Visit us at www.rhodesmeryhew.com
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