TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas lawmakers passed a bill Wednesday that would prevent judges from reducing sentences for adult sex offenders because a child victim was the "aggressor."
Events that unfolded in a Leavenworth County courtroom in December inspired the change after 67-year-old Raymond Soden, who was charged with soliciting teen girls online for sex, received a reduced sentence.
Despite a standard sentence for such crimes of 14 years, Judge Michael Gibbins sentenced Soden to fewer than six years, saying the 13- and 14-year-old victims were "aggressors" in the case.
That decision drew national attention and led Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson to call for a change.
"No matter the child's behavior, child victims are not responsible for the criminal conduct of adults who commit sex crimes against them," Schmidt said. "It has been my view that Kansas law should reflect that same principle, and I am grateful the Legislature has agreed."
The bill also would prevent judges from using the "aggressor" factor to reduce sentences in human trafficking cases, regardless of the victims' ages.
The legislation now goes to Gov. Laura Kelly's desk.
