'Jetseta's Bill' introduced by Grassley in Senate

Named for an Iowa victim, it would allow the death sentence for some crimes against children.

Washington, D.C. - Child-sex offenders who murder their victims would face the death penalty if convicted in federal courts, under legislation introduced Thursday by Republican Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa.

Grassley named the legislation the "Jetseta Gage Prevention and Deterrence of Crimes Against Children Act of 2005," in memory of a 10-year-old Cedar Rapids girl who was raped and murdered in March.

"Recently there's been many cases across the nation and even in our own Iowa of young children being abducted, raped and murdered by repeat sex offenders," Grassley, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told reporters. "As far as I'm concerned, this is one of the worst kinds of criminal offenses possible."

Iowa has not had a state law permitting capital punishment for 40 years, and efforts to reinstate it in limited circumstances were derailed in the Legislature earlier this week.

"Jetseta's Bill" would establish tougher mandatory minimum sentences for violent crimes against children. If the crime results in the death of a child, the death penalty could be sought.

It also would increase penalties for federal crimes such as aggravated sexual abuse of children, abusive sexual contact with children, activities related to child pornography and conduct related to child prostitution. "Jetseta's Bill" could be used only in crimes with federal jurisdiction, such as taking a child across state lines for illicit purposes.

Because Jetseta's slaying is being prosecuted under state law, Grassley's proposal would not apply to cases like hers. Roger Bentley of Brandon, a convicted sex offender, has been charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in Jetseta's death.