ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ Hoping to end a practice by predators of ``grooming'' students until they reach the age of consent for sex, a proposal in Albany would make sex involving a school employee and a student of any age illegal. Dutchess County resident Heidi Roosa was in Albany yesterday to speak in favor of the resolution. She is the mother of a 17 year old student who was involved in a relationship with her teacher in the Spackenkill School District.
The bill with powerful sponsors would avoid a loophole exploited by some sexual predators of luring students into their confidence then having sex with them shortly after they reach 17 or 18 years old where child sex crimes can be harder to prosecute. Local Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther is pushing the bill in the State Assembly.
