Proposed bill targets child sex trafficking
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Legislation working its way through the Missouri Senate aims to increase penalties for child sex trafficking, a measure local welfare agencies say is needed.
A bill in committee is proposed by Sen. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles County. Missouri Senate Bill 52, which is similar to HB 495, reads that a person commits the offense of sexual trafficking of a child in the first degree when he or she knowingly conducts certain sexual acts, as provided in current law, with a person under the age of 14, rather than the current 12.
The eligibility for probation or parole for the offense of sexual trafficking of a child in the first degree is not available unless the offender has served no less than 30, rather than 25, years of the sentence.
In addition, the bill modifies the offense of sexual trafficking of a child in the second degree to provide that such offense is a felony punishable by imprisonment for a term no less than 20, rather than 10, years.
According to the Northwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force, in 2024 there were:
8 documented child enticement complaints
1 documented child sex trafficking complaint(s)
97 Child Pornography – All Category Complaints
Child advocacy organizations in Buchanan County are in support of the bill as they work to prevent trafficking across northwest Missouri.
“The fact that the sentencing for this offense is currently set at 10 years is unjust to the victims and families of these victims,” said Melissa Birdsell, executive director of Voices of Courage Child Advocacy Center in St. Joseph.
Voices of Courage works with local law enforcement agencies to help those who are victims of various forms of child crimes and encourages families to speak with their children and understand the evolution of trafficking and its changes in society today.
“We have the luxury that law enforcement doesn’t have of being able to expand what we think trafficking actually is,” Birdsell said. “We look at trafficking as anything that a family member or someone does to obtain money or other items in exchange for sexual acts with a child. It’s not always as obvious as what we think trafficking is like picking up children at a truck stop.”
Voices of Courage will be sponsoring the Stop Trafficking Project presentation held at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 7, at Grace Calvary Chapel, 5103 S.E. State Highway FF, to educate adults about the exploitation of minors and being involved in their online lives at a time when trafficking is growing.
“Traffickers use different methods to lure individuals and exploit them for profit,” Birdsell said. “Social media and online platforms are common areas for them to recruit victims because it’s used by the majority of the youth so it’s important parents are talking with their kids and staying informed on who and what they’re engaging with online.”
