Removal of statute of limitations on its way to governor
by Dara Kam | April 26th, 2010The House and Senate unanimously did away with the statute of limitations on sexual crimes against children between the ages of 12 and 15 today, sending the bill to Gov. Charlie Crist for signature.
Palm Beach Gardens attorney Michael Dolce, who was repeatedly raped by his Maryland neighbor at the age of seven, has tried for six years to get the measure passed but the Catholic Church has thwarted his efforts.
Senate bill sponsor Dave Aronberg introduced Dolce, who watched from the public gallery and received a thank-you from Sen. Mike Fasano, who was acting as president of the chamber.
“Michael, on behalf of the Florida Senate, thank you for your good work, my friend, thank you,” Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said.
Florida’s current laws gave children between the ages of 12 and 16 three years to file criminal charges although studies show that it is often 15 years before victims go public with their accusations.
“Overwhelming. Very, very grateful that we finally said to these monsters time will never protect them. The law will protect our kids first,” said Dolce, who launched a citizen’s initiative called “Protect Our Kids First” to amend the constitution to remove the statute of limitations because the legislature failed to change the law.
Also looking on were influential lobbyist Ron Book and his daugher, Lauren Book-Lim, whose nanny sexually molested her from the age of 11.
“This is a huge deal. It’s just incredible. We’re so excited,” Book-Lim said.
Up to 70 percent of child molesters walk free because of the time restriction that keeps their victims from pressing charges, said Aronberg.
“This bill is a long time coming. Because there is no statute of limitations for the pain of victims. There is no statute of limitations for the shame and humiliation,” said Aronberg, D-Greenacres.
The Senate approved the bill with 34-0 vote; the House passed it earlier today by a 114-0 vote.
Crist has indicated that he would sign the bill into law.
Tags: Catholic Church, Charlie Crist, Dave Aronberg, Michael Dolce, Ron Book, sex crimes, sex offenders, sexual molestation, statute of limitations
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April 26th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Dolce turned his perceived sexual abuse as a child into what he perceives to be dollars from decades old memories of sexual abuse by the victims Lord only knows who. I know what it is like to be the victim once, but if you follow Dolce you will be a victim twice. Apparently his intended victim is the Catholic Church. After all with attorneys they always go after what they call deep pockets. The Florida legislature may have meant well but they just moved from one victim to another.
April 27th, 2010 at 11:59 am
No joke you know what you are talking about , thank you
April 28th, 2010 at 9:19 am
To Louis and victim: Why would someone get up in front of strangers and tell his horrific story so many times just to make money? You 2 need to look at your motives for making such statements. It’s not just about the Cathoic church, it’s about any person or enity who violates our children or grandchildren. Read all the facts before making judgments.
April 28th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
You dare call the Roman Catholic church a victim? What about all the pedophile priests they protected and moved around for years while knowing what sick monsters they really were? Does that count? Go say your Hail Marys, you brain-dead moron.