State lawmakers are working to put pressure on prostitutes, pimps and underage solicitors.
If lawmakers get their way, those who solicit sex from minors will be charged with felonies, punishable by up to four years in prison.
The current punishment for soliciting sex from a minor is a misdemeanor, described as a “slap on the wrist” by state Rep. Mike Kowall, R-White Lake.
“When you look at spending some serious time as a guest of the state, you might re-think it,” Kowall said. “Any time you are dealing with juveniles, it is just low-down and dirty what they are doing with these kids. As a civilized society, we need to put a stop to it.”
The legislation to increase penalties was the initial product of the Teen Crisis Task Force, which was led by Rep. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing.
Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said he supports toughening the penalties for those who solicit sex from minors.
“It is an increasing problem,” he said. “When we uncovered the prostitution ring last spring, our investigation noted that it was not only a local problem, but statewide and national.”
In March, a prostitution ring involving local teens aged 13 to 17 with connections to Lansing was uncovered by Lansing police.
In working the case, prosecutors were troubled by a loophole that allowed 16-year-olds to partake in prostitution related crimes.
Currently, those 17 and older are subject to prostitution laws, and those 15 and younger are subject to statutory rape laws - leaving 16-year-olds exposed.
The state House is expected to vote on a bill that would close the loophole next week.
“It lets courts get involved in 16-year-olds’ lives who are involved in a life of prostitution,” said Matt Muxlow, a legislative aide for state Rep. Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac, who sponsored the bill. “This is meant to get involved and save some lives.”
Muxlow said the bill sends the message children are off-limits when it comes to prostitution.
“There wasn’t any opposition to this legislation,” he said. “Who is going to come out and oppose this? It is so clear-cut that we need to clean up this language.”
Matt Resch, a spokesman for Gov. John Engler, said the governor supports the increased focus on reducing prostitution.
“The governor is interested in ways to close the loopholes, especially the one that exempts 16-year-olds,” Resch said. “We want to help law enforcement eliminate this crime.”
Resch said the governor will watch the legislation as it goes through the process.
“We always have to be vigilant in making sure our communities are safe,” he said. “There are people who will prey upon young girls. We need to make sure they are protected, and we prosecute those who conduct illegal activity.”
