Scherer Works to Bring Child Traffickers to Justice

DECATUR, Ill. –To crack down on criminals involved with child trafficking, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is co-sponsoring legislation that increases penalties and extends the statute of limitations for child sex crimes.

“Current law does not reflect the realities of victims of these heinous crimes or go far enough to protect them,” Scherer said. “Child victims of human trafficking who are under control of their trafficker may be unable or unwilling to come forward within a year of turning 18.”

Scherer is a co-sponsor of House Bill 3629, which increases the statute of limitations for crimes associated with human trafficking of minors, from one year to 25 years after the victim turns 18. The Scherer-backed measure also establishes a mandatory sentence of 25 years.

“We need to make sure that child traffickers are not able to escape accountability for their actions,” said Scherer. “By imposing stricter penalties for criminals involved in the human trafficking of minors, this legislation protects our children and helps ensure justice on their behalf.”

For more information, please contact Scherer’s constituent service office at 217-877-9636 or by email at StateRepSue@gmail.com. Scherer represents the 96th District, which includes portions of Christian, Macon and Sangamon counties.