Sheriff Kevin Shoemaker said a new state grooming law lets Macon County law enforcement investigate before a sexual act occurs.
"The biggest impact this will have in protecting our children is that it gives law enforcement a tool to intervene when adults intentionally groom and manipulate minors for sexual purposes," Shoemaker said in an email Tuesday. "Prior to this law, law enforcement essentially had to wait until an 'act' occurred to investigate. This law specifically addresses grooming behavior and it will allow us to investigate conduct that is concerning much earlier in hopes of preventing any act of a sexual nature against our children."
Grooming is the deliberate process of building an emotional connection and trust with a child, teen, or vulnerable adult to manipulate, control, and sexually abuse them.
House Bill 2273 took effect Friday. The House summary names the grooming or enticement of a minor provision Evie and Sophie's Law.
The provision applies when a person more than four years older than a minor knowingly engages in a pattern of conduct with the intent to prepare, condition, or manipulate that minor to engage in sexual conduct, a sexual performance, or a commercial sex act, according to the House summary. A conviction is a felony with a sentence of five to 30 years, or a 10-year minimum if sexual conduct, a sexual performance, or a commercial sex act occurs.
Rep. Ed Lewis sponsored the bill. His district includes Macon County.
Chariton Media Group did not receive a response in time for publication from Prosecuting Attorney Josh Meisner and Macon Police Chief Joey Roberts.