Legislators to look at sex offenses, reporting laws in wake of Anthony trial

The Criminal Code Evaluation Commission is meeting Thursday morning to discuss sex crimes and sex offenders, and other issues, according to its revised meeting agenda. Later that day, the Criminal Law and Sentencing Policy Study Committee is going to take a look at Indiana’s laws regarding reporting a dead body or missing child.

The focus of the criminal code meeting is on sex crimes. Dr. Adam Deming will give a presentation on sex crimes and sex offenders, the Office of the Indiana Attorney General will give a presentation on sex trafficking; and Deborah Daniels, former U.S. Attorney and now a partner at Krieg DeVault in Indianapolis, will speak on penalties for sex offenses. Rep. Ralph Foley, R-Martinsville, and Sen. Randall Head, R-Logansport, will also give presentations at the meeting, according to the posted agenda.

Members will also discuss Indiana Code 35-43-4-3(d), conversion for failure to return a rental car. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. in Room 431 of the Statehouse.

At 1:30 p.m. in Room 431, the Criminal Law and Sentencing Policy Study Committee will review Indiana’s laws on reporting dead bodies. Chair Sen. Brent Steele, R-Bedford, said the discussion was spurred by the outcome of the Casey Anthony trial in Florida.

Anthony never reported her daughter missing and was later charged with first-degree murder after her daughter’s remains were discovered. She was acquitted of murder.

Currently, statute requires someone who discovers a dead body to report it within three hours or face a Class A misdemeanor charge with a possible prison sentence of up to a year and a fine that could be as much as $5,000.

Committee members will also look at possibly creating a law that parents or guardians must report a missing child immediately or within a certain time frame. The committee will also talk about implementing a new centralized child protection registry.

The proceedings will also be webcast live.