25 Investigates: Advocates, lawmakers try again to change Mass. laws protecting child sex abusers
BOSTON — Massachusetts laws are failing our children. That was the message from supporters of bills trying to crack down on teachers, administrators, coaches, mentors and more who sexually assault young people.
Supporters say the current system allows adults in positions of power and trust to exploit young people and escape accountability.
For years, 25 Investigates has followed the push to close the age of consent loophole, a push that continues to fail on Beacon Hill.
“Every day we delay, more children are at risk,” said Massachusetts state representative, Leigh Davis.
Davis was among a group of advocates sounding the alarm on a gap in the law that has children, who are victims of sexual abuse in schools, falling through the cracks.
“Under current state law, a teacher having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student is not considered a crime. That must change,” Davis said during a virtual news conference on Monday.
As 25 Investigates has reported for years, Massachusetts’ age of consent is 16.
As a result, a person in a position of trust-- like a teacher, coach or counselor--- who engages in a sexual relationship with a student aged 16 or older rarely faces consequences.
Legislation filed this session sponsored by Davis and state senator Joan Lovely is once again trying to change that.
“Misconduct that include sexual comments or jokes, exposure to genitals or being shown, or giving sexual pictures, being sent sexual messages by phone or online, or having been touched in a sexual manner,” said Jetta Bernier, executive director of non-profit Enough Abuse. (link: https://enoughabuse.org/
Bernier says they have been pushing for change for two decades, despite that, the Commonwealth has fallen behind.
“So, Massachusetts is one of only 11 states that has yet to address this,” said Bernier. “Few reports result in the disciplinary action of these employees, and this particular bill will help to change that.”
Prosecutors, like Essex County district attorney Paul Tucker say their hands are tied until the gap in the law is addressed.
“I think anybody with common sense would take a look at this and know that this is the right path to follow,” Tucker said.
“No survivor should ever be told their abuser walks free because our laws have failed them,” said Davis. “Our laws are failing our children.”
Advocates are also calling on the state Department of Education to maintain an accurate database of cases of sexual misconduct and abuse in schools and to share the findings every year with the legislature and with the public.
Montreal coach accused of sexually abusing minors denied bail
Ryan Michael Elahie is expected back in court on May 16
Former Montreal coach Ryan Michael Elahie, 40, who was arrested in early February and faces multiple sex-related crimes against minors, was denied bail on Monday.
The accused will remain in custody to uphold public confidence in the justice system, according to Patricia Johnson, spokesperson for the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales (DPCP).
He is expected back in court on May 16.
Elahie is facing 16 charges in connection with four alleged victims between 2010 and 2025. The charges include sexual assault, sexual contact and the possession, distribution and production of child pornography.
He was involved at different high schools, day camps, community centres, organizations and sports associations as a basketball, hockey, football and powerlifting coach, Montreal police said.
"During the events, we know for a fact that the victims were young boys or teenagers," said Const. Jean-Pierre Brabant, a spokesperson for the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal, last month.
Police also said they suspect Elahie may have additional victims and are encouraging them and anyone who know them to call 514-280-2081 or 911.
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