Bartlesville state representative seeks legislation to help fight against child predators

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A state lawmaker has filed a bill to help fund law enforcement agencies in their fight against child predators.<br/><br/>Representative Steve Martin of Bartlesville says his bill

Thursday, January 19th 2006, 6:06 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A state lawmaker has filed a bill to help fund law enforcement agencies in their fight against child predators.

Representative Steve Martin of Bartlesville says his bill will increase the penalty on sexual predators by allowing law enforcement officials to seize property used while committing a sexual crime against a minor. Seized property could include aircraft, vehicles, and money.

Law enforcement officials already can seize assets used during other criminal offenses. But they don't have that authoritiy in child exploitation crimes.

Under the bill, seized assets can be sold at public auction and seized money given to law enforcement agencies. Martin says his bill will help offset the enormous costs of child predator investigations.