The Combat Online Predators Act is now heading to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature after recent House passage. It had earlier passed the Senate.
The legislation enhances federal criminal penalties for stalkers by up to five years if the victim is a minor, and calls for the Department of Justice to evaluate federal, state and local efforts to enforce stalking laws and identify enforcement best practices.
The Combat Online Predators Act was inspired by the story of the Zezzo family of Buckingham, whose teenaged daughter was cyber-stalked by a friend’s father on social media. Despite the stalking being sexual in nature, the then-51-year-old stalker pleaded guilty only to a misdemeanor stalking charge and was sentenced to probation and counseling. Three years later, in 2016, the same stalker began making contact again. This time, he was arrested in a sting by local police and sentenced to between 18 months and seven years in a state prison.
“We have no higher responsibility than to protect our children. Cyberstalking is a serious crime that needs to be met with stricter penalties and more cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Sitting with the Zezzo family, I saw the pain in their eyes. After hearing of the disturbing story of cyberstalking endured by this young girl and her family for years, I knew something needed to be done,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “The Combat Online Predators Act is the first step in making the internet a safer environment for all users, especially the most vulnerable among us. I am incredibly proud to see our legislation pass both chambers and head to the president’s desk to become law.”
