Lawmakers to call for tougher child sex abuse investigations

By Janel Knight
ABC 27
March 9, 2016

http://abc27.com/2016/03/09/lawmaker-to-call-for-tougher-child-sex-abuse-investigations/

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – A group of state lawmakers will call on district attorneys across the state to lead tougher child sexual abuse investigations.

State Reps. Mark Rozzi (D-Berks), Tom Murt (R-Montgomery/Philadelphia) and Frank Burns (D-Cambria) will make the call at a news conference Wednesday afternoon at the Capitol.

They want prosecutors to follow every lead possible that may may lead to evidence in child sex abuse cases. This includes conducting grand jury investigations whenever there are multiple allegations.

This is in response to a grand jury report on child sexual abuse in the Catholic diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Investigators said 50 priests abused hundreds of children for at least 40 years. Two bishops are accused of covering up their behavior.

Wednesday’s news conference is in the Capitol Press Briefing Room at 12:30 p.m.