By:Hector Flores
The legislation was recently introduced and named "Carlie's Law" by U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris, of Sarasota, Fla. Harris said the law would expand the reasons for sending criminals, convicted of a federal crime and on probation, back to prison.
Currently, federal probation can only be revoked if a convicted felon possesses firearms, drugs or refuses to submit to a drug test. Under Carlie's Law, a felon's probation would also be revoked if they engage in a violent crime or sexual abuse of a child.
Carlie Brucia, whose father Joesph Brucia Jr. lives in Bellmore, was abducted and killed near her home in Sarasota. Police arrested and charged Joseph P. Smith, 36, with the crime. Smith had been arrested 13 times in Florida for attempted kidnapping, battery, assault, drug possession and possession of a concealed weapon. Smith was out on probation during the time of the alleged kidnapping and murder.
Carlie's Law also calls for an Amber Alert Grant Program of $20 million and would require states to notify non-custodial parents if their child is a victim of physical and sexual abuse, or if the custodial parent is charged with a drug offense, rape, violent crime or sexual abuse.
