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Foley Sex Crime Investigation Continues

Brian Skoloff / The Associated Press:
Six months after resigning from Congress, former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley remains under criminal investigation for sexually explicit Internet communications with underage boys but has not been charged, authorities said Wednesday. "I can't really give any more detail other than to say we're still in the preliminary investigative stance and we are working with state authorities," said Debra Weierman, spokeswoman for the FBI's Washington field office.

Under federal law if a person meets or attempts to meet a minor for sex it is a crime. Under laws in some states where the Florida Republican communicated with minors, an attempt to seduce the victim might be enough for a criminal case. Under state law in Florida, where the age of consent is 18, a crime may have been committed if Foley is simply found to have seduced or attempted to seduce a minor using lewd or explicit language.

Mark Foley Scandal Timeline
New York Post - Interactive Website:
Mark Foley, a six-term Republican from Florida who had been heading for re-election, resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives Sept. 29 after revelations of sexually explicit electronic messages he sent to a teenager and former House page. The House ethics committee investigated whether other members of Congress or staffers tried to cover up Foley's actions. It found no violations of House rules, but chastised some Capitol Hill veterans for a "disconcerting unwillingness to take responsibility for resolving issues regarding Rep. Foley's conduct."

Posted by Editor at March 29, 2007 04:36 AM