PENNSYLVANIA
Tribune-Democrat
By Dave Sutor
dsutor@tribdem.com
EBENSBURG – With a thunderous voice – reminiscent of an old-time preacher trying to stir souls – state Rep. Mark Rozzi cried out: “Legislators have failed to act, and that’s a fact.”
His last word literally echoed throughout the Cambria County Courthouse’s stone-wall-lined hallways.
Rozzi, a Democrat from Berks County, was speaking Friday about his work to have Pennsylvania eliminate all statutes of limitations for individuals accused of sexually abusing children. The laws came to the forefront this week when Attorney General Kathleen Kane released a grand jury report detailing allegations against more than 50 priests and other religious leaders within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown.
Kane said charges cannot be brought at this time because the alleged acts occurred beyond the statutes of limitations.
Currently, sexual assault victims who were under the age of 18 when the abuse occurred can file civil charges until age 30. Criminal charges can be filed until age 30 if he or she was born before Aug. 27, 2002. That limit increases to age 50 for individuals born after Aug. 27, 2002.
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