Dougherty County Grand Jurors want to make it tougher for suspected child molesters to get out of jail.
In their presentments this week, they recommended anyone charged with sexually abusing a child be forced to post at least a half million dollars bail.
Child advocates say they're glad grand jurors are concerned about the serious problem of sex crimes against children.
Judges and Prosecutors told the Grand Jury their recommendation can't be implemented legally, but it's obvious that during their service Grand Jurors learned how serious this problem is.
The Lily Pad helps law enforcement interview and investigate child sex abuse cases, and they say most people would be stunned by the number they see.
"Over the past year we here at the Lily Pad have interviewed 225 sexual assault victims," Lily Pad Director of Child Advocacy Center Mary Martinez said.
The Grand Jury obviously was concerned by the cases they heard and recommended that the minimum bail for any person charged with a sex crime against a child be at least a half million dollars.
"Our rates match the national average. Approximately one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday," Martinez said.
And many of the offenders are in the home or family members of the victims, so that higher bail could protect some children.
The Judge and District Attorney understand the Grand Jurors concerns, but say their proposal isn't legal.
"Certainly while this is a very serious offense, the Courts can not impose a single bond amount or a cookie cutter type bond amount on every particular kind of case," said Dougherty District Attorney Greg Edwards.
But child advocates say they are glad to bring awareness to a serious crime issue in Albany and spur parents, educators, and mentors to protect youths.
"Talking with your kids about body safety. Making your children aware that it's OK to say no. And it's OK for them to protect their bodies," Martinez said.
Both the D. A.'s office and child advocates say the number of child sexual abuse cases is not increasing, but they and the Grand Jury agree that protecting children is a critical issue that needs awareness.
While bail for people charged with sexual abuse of a child has to be done on an individual case basis, the penalty for people convicted of the crime has been set high. At least 25 years in prison, to life for those convicted.
There are currently 319 registered sex offenders in Dougherty County, though many of them were not convicted of sex crimes against children.
You can sign up to get an e-mail alert if a sex offender moves into your neighborhood. Here is another source .
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Director of Child Advocacy Center Mary Martinez
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