In response to the death of 2-year-old Oakley Hedlund in Bradford earlier this year, Pennsylvania State Representative Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening protections for children against convicted child abusers.
The proposed measure would require a mandatory period of post-release supervision for any offender convicted of a crime involving a minor child, regardless of whether the offender had served the full term imposed by the court. Causer stated, “Nothing we do can right the many wrongs committed against Oakley, but we can learn from this tragedy and take steps to protect other children from suffering the same fate.”
Oakley’s father, Tyler Prescott, was accused in her death after completing a 40-month sentence on charges related to endangering another child. Testimony indicated that his previous victim was an 18-month-old who suffered near-fatal injuries. After serving his sentence in full, Prescott was released without further supervision.
“It’s crazy to think someone convicted of such crimes would be permitted to just walk away without any further supervision or monitoring,” Causer said. “This is a serious loophole in our state law that puts children and the community at risk. My bill would close this loophole.”
House Bill 2075 is awaiting referral to a House committee.
Causer is also co-sponsoring two additional bills targeting child abuse. One proposal seeks to establish a registry for individuals convicted of child abuse offenses. This registry would require those found guilty of certain crimes—such as aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors, and kidnapping—to register with the Pennsylvania State Police and update their information when obtaining new employment, residency, or vehicles. The aim is to provide public access to information that could help safeguard children.
Another bill would create the specific offense of child torture. It defines torture as conduct involving acts such as physical or sexual abuse, unreasonable restraint or confinement, deprivation of basic bodily functions, starvation, or terrorizing a child for emotional distress. The bill would empower law enforcement and courts to impose additional penalties in extreme cases.
Both co-sponsored bills have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
