Civil Commitment of Violent Sexual Offenders a Priority Issue

January 19, 2010 by Hecht Yes News

With the 2000 murder of 9-year old Christopher Ausherman ever on her mind, Delegate Sue Hecht is urging fellow Maryland lawmakers to again consider action during this General Assembly session on the civil commitment of violent sexual offenders.

“The recent death of an 11-year old girl in Wicomico County on the Eastern Shore should alert all elected officials to the need for civil commitment of violent child sexual predators,” Delegate Hecht said. She pointed to acceptance of this concept in other states and the U. S. Supreme Court’s upholding of a Kansas state law on civil commitment for similar offenses.

Under legislation proposed by Delegate Hecht prior to Christopher Ausherman’s murder, the state would evaluate whether persons convicted of a violent child sexual offense still poses a risk at the time of their release from prison. That legislation failed and Delegate Hecht says it is time to make some changes in the current law.

“At the very least, we need to talk about this issue and try to bring some further protections during this legislative session. I don’t know how many more children have to lose their lives before we act.”

Webmaster's note: This matter was covered by the Frederick News Post on January 19, 2010.

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