Golden, Malliotakis Call For Tougher Penalties For Child Prostitution And Sex Trafficking

The following is a press release from the offices of State Senator Marty Golden and State Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis:

State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I) and State Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-C), after the arrests of Raymond Warren and Anthony Vargas for sex trafficking and child prostitution, are pushing for legislation that would increase penalties for both offenses. S644/A6165 would increase the penalties for prostitution offenses involving children, which have not updated since 1978 and do not reflect the severity of crime. Another bill sponsored by Golden and Malliotakis, S1741, would make a crime to commit an illegal act over the internet for purposes of sex trafficking, which is currently not addressed by law.

Senator Martin Golden stated, “We have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable throughout our communities. Ensuring that children are protected, and that those who engage in these heinous acts face the most severe of penalties. By passing these bills, we make sure that parents have some piece of mind, that anyone who commits these crimes will face the strongest of penalties.”

Assemblywoman Malliotakis stated, “It disgusts me that we continue to read about these reprehensible acts committed against our children. We need tighter laws and tougher penalties on the books to ensure those who take advantage of vulnerable children stay behind bars where they belong. We must do all we can to aid law enforcement in locking up sexual predators before another child is endangered or abused.”

State Senator Marty Golden represents Senate District 22, which includes Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Gerritsen Beach and Marine Park; as well as parts of Bensonhurst, Midwood, Gravesend and Sheepshead Bay

State Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis represents Assembly District 60, which includes parts of Eastern Staten Island and Bay Ridge