WAND News: Illinois could require convicted sex traffickers to register as sex offenders

From file: DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin testifies at the Illinois State Capitol building.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS - On Wednesday April 2nd, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert “Bob” Berlin testified via Zoom in support of SB 267 before the Senate Criminal Law Committee. The bill would require criminals convicted of forcing victims into commercial sex work to register as sex offenders. WAND News reported on Berlin’s testimony as follows:

A bill heading to the Senate floor would require criminals convicted of forcing victims into commercial sex work to register as sex offenders.

Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) said adding these criminals to the sex offender registry will allow families to be clear on who is in their community and help law enforcement investigate crimes more quickly. 

The legislation would add people convicted of violations or attempted violations of involuntary servitude or trafficking of minors and adults to the sexual predator list.

"There are victims in these cases who deal with the trauma of trafficking for the rest of their life and they're serious crimes," said DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin. "I believe the public has the right to know."

Human trafficking is one of the most under-reported and under-identified crimes, according to the Illinois State Police. Curran said requiring traffickers to register will help bring more accountability for the heinous crimes.

"Allowing these predators to walk free without registering once their sentence is served does not provide appropriate justice for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation and fails to inform a community of their presence," Curran said. "This legislation ensures that the punishment fits the crime and will help keep families aware of their surroundings, and help law enforcement better investigate future crimes."

Senate Bill 267 passed unanimously out of the Senate Criminal Law Committee Wednesday. 

View the full story here.