Governor’s signature backs Allred’s advocacy by producing law that protects victims from harassment
SACRAMENTO - Last night before the stroke of midnight, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger rewarded attorney Gloria Allred with a last minute signing of her sponsored legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 834, a Florez-authored measure, to stop the on-line harassment of child crime victims by their perpetrators and associates.
"I applaud the Governor in recognizing that Gloria Allred had it right," said Florez. "Victims should be protected from harassment in whatever form it takes.”
SB 834 stems from a criminal case involving Anand Jon, once a rising fashion designer known for appearances on the program “America’s Next Top Model.” Jon was convicted last year of sex crimes against a number of young, aspiring models including two counts of committing a lewd and lascivious act on a child. That child victim, who was represented in court by Allred, alleges that after Jon’s conviction, investigators associated with the fashion designer contacted her Facebook friends and offered them a substantial reward if they could provide evidence that she had lied about the incident.
“A child crime victim shouldn’t be unfairly targeted especially after she’s found the courage to testify in a criminal case against her assailant. This new law matches the reality of today’s electronic communication and social networking,” said Florez.
Generally child victims’ identities are protected during trial, which permits them to testify without fear of retaliation or being ridiculed or ostracized by their peers. However, when the perpetrator or their associates contact the victim or their friends through the Internet, they can reveal sensitive matters covered in court in addition to the victim’s identity. Civil restraining orders are not sufficient to address the immediacy of the victim’s situation.
“This new law will ensure that children aren’t victimized twice and I appreciate that the Governor’s recognized this important effort by signing my measure into law,” stated Florez.
I have followed Senator Dean Florez (D) for a couple of years because I was impressed with some of the positions I noted he was taking on "stuff" that really made a difference. This bill that is soon to be law in California is one of his last due to term limits. A good law for Florez to wrap up his career as a State Legislator.
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