Spat over sex crime statute of limitations
It’s a recurring and sometimes strident debate that often materializes across the country, including in California. Now a prominent businessman and legislator have rekindled the discussion in another state.
That state is New York, with the subject being the statute of limitations applicable to child sex abuse cases. In New York, so-called SOLs greatly — and unfairly — limit the time within which a sex-abuse victim can file a criminal complaint against an abuser, says the above-cited businessman, and he wants the law changed.
Gary Greenberg, who says that he was a sex abuse victim as a young child, has squarely identified state Sen. John DeFrancisco (R-Syracuse) as a foe who warrants a strong political challenge. DeFrancisco prominently opposes a legislative bill that would eliminate a time bar on child sex abuse crimes and open up a window that would temporarily provide victims with an opportunity to pursue decades-old cases.
Greenberg wants to see DeFrancisco unseated, and says he will put up $100,000 to weaken the senator’s political clout or, conversely, unseat other legislators who agree with him.
DeFrancisco counters that he “can take the heat,” arguing that SOLs are necessary legal tools ensuring fairness that become progressively more important as years slip by.
Greenberg isn’t moved by that oft-advanced argument. He points out that, regardless of how old a case might be, an accuser must still prove his or her case and that a jury will collectively evaluate the evidence.
Greenberg says that, although he has lobbied for years for a bill regarding a sex crimes limitation period, “the Senate wouldn’t touch it because of pressure from the Catholic church.”
He now thinks that pressuring select politicians might make for a better strategy.
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