People convicted of possessing or promoting child pornography could spend more time in jail. State Senator Tim Kennedy is proposing legislation that would increase the crime to a Class D felony. Cheektowaga Police Detective Mike Hockwater says, offenders don't need to leave their home to victimize children over the Internet.
"These pictures never go away. They're traded. They're distributed. And these children are victimized, over and over again, for the rest of their lives. That's why I think this legislation does take a step in the right direction to help strengthen the laws and hold these people more accountable," Hockwater said.
If approved, anyone convicted of possessing and/or promoting child pornography involving victims under the age of 13 could be sentenced up to seven years in prison. They would also be required to register as sex offenders.