VERMONT
Bennington Banner
NEAL P. GOSWAMI
Senior Staff Writer
BENNINGTON – With lawmakers, law enforcement and prosecutors by his side, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin signed legislation in Bennington Monday extending the statute of limitations for sexual crimes committed against children.
Sexual crimes committed against a child now have a 40-year statute of limitations. Until Monday’s signing ceremony, Vermont law only allowed for prosecution of sexual assault, lewd and lascivious conduct and sexual exploitation of a minor within 10 years after the crimes were reported, or until a child turned 24.
Bennington County Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Christina Rainville pushed for the legislation following the conviction of former assistant Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky. Rainville noted that eight of the 10 victims who came forward against Sandusky, would have been barred from seeking justice in Vermont because of the state’s shorter statute of limitations.
“The result is phenomenal”
“It really took a lot of people, but the result is phenomenal. We’re now going to be able to better protect today’s children because when we have someone who committed crimes 40 years ago still having contact with children today, we can’t protect today’s children. This eliminates that huge problem with our law, so I’m very, very grateful for everyone’s effort,” Rainville said.
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