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Commission studies child sex laws following teacher’s arrest

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RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) –  Virginia’s laws that prosecute child sex offenders are not strong enough, according to many members of a state crime commission. The commission met today at the State Capitol.

The meeting comes after the General Assembly passed a resolution to conduct a study on child sexual abuse. State Delegate Manoli Loupasi (R – Richmond) pushed for the study after the arrest of Cosby High School assistant teacher Anna Walters.

Walter pleaded no contest to reduced charges in Chesterfield Juvenile Court in January. Loupasi wanted the commission to look into whether there should be a penalty for a high school teacher who has sex with a student 18 years old or older.

The commission is also looking at ways to strengthen laws and policies governing the investigation of alleged child abuse. The commission is expected to make final votes on their findings in December.