House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran and Appropriations Vice-Chairman Phil Hamilton (R-Newport News) today announced success with “Alicia’s Law” that will provide new investments to help law enforcement crack down on online child sex predators. They were joined by Alicia and Mary Kozkeiwicz, actor David Keith, Delegate Bobby Mathieson (D-Virginia Beach), Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown and representatives of the National Association to Protect Children. Together they announced the first significant appropriation of statewide funds to build a strong network of law enforcement officers to investigate, arrest and imprison online child sex predators. The House Appropriations Committee budget included a $1.25 million investment in the Southern and Northern VA Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces (ICAC), which will allow a 100 percent increase in cases investigated and arrests made. The House budget will now go to the Senate of Virginia and be reconciled in conference prior to March 8th.

“This investment will provide a 100 percent increase in arrests made and a significant increase in the number of children saved,” said Delegate Brian Moran. “I thank my Republican and Democratic colleagues on Appropriations for seeing the merit of the program and making this critical investment. As a former prosecutor, I know our law-enforcement officers need the tools and resources required to protect us, and as the father of two young children, I couldn’t be happier that we’ve taken this great first step.”