Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) has introduced new legislation aimed at increasing penalties for individuals convicted of creating, distributing, or possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that features their own relatives.
Owlett described the measure as a response to particularly disturbing trends identified by law enforcement. “Child sex abuse of any kind is horrifying, but how sick must one be to exploit their own child? Or a sibling, or niece or nephew?” Owlett said. “This is a very sad and disturbing reality, and while we work to prevent this type of abuse, we must also ensure the punishment fits the crime if or when it does occur.”
He shared insights from a discussion with a local prosecutor who reported that some defendants in CSAM cases have communicated about the perceived ease of using their own children or relatives rather than seeking victims through human trafficking to produce illegal materials. “This type of evil is unspeakable and unimaginable,” Owlett said.
Current Pennsylvania law does not provide an enhanced penalty for individuals convicted of offenses involving their relatives in CSAM cases. The proposed bill would require the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to develop guidelines for sentencing enhancements in such cases. These enhancements would apply when the victim depicted is related to the defendant, including relationships such as stepchild, step-grandchild, brother, sister, nephew, niece, cousin or other family members.
House Bill 1835 awaits referral to a committee in the Pennsylvania House for further consideration.
