Yingling Works to Eliminate Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Crimes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After a number of egregious recent stories about predators walking away unpunished for sexual crimes against minors due to a loophole in the law, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, introduced legislation to give prosecutors more time to prosecute criminals who sexually abuse children.

“Victims of child sexual abuse often do not come forward about the crimes committed against them until well into their adult years,” said Yingling. “By then, they are too often unable to seek justice because of the statute of limitations. The legislation that I introduced removes that time limit for sex crimes against children. This is good news for victims and law enforcement, and bad news for predators who think they can prey on young children and get away with it.”

Yingling’s House Bill 3849 removes the statute of limitations for a number of crimes committed against minors, including involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, trafficking, indecent solicitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, promoting juvenile prostitution and solicitation of a sexual act. Currently, prosecutors have up to 20 years after a crime was committed for prosecution against the abuser to begin. In some cases, prosecution of sex crime cases must begin within just three years of the offense.

“Our society is slowly but surely eliminating the culture of silence around sexual abuse, and more people are now coming forward after carrying the burden of abuse for decades,” Yingling added. “Illinois’ laws need to protect victims of these heinous crimes. My bill is one step towards giving victims the justice and closure that they deserve.”