ATLANTA — Sen. Emanuel Jones, D-Decatur, was interviewed by Fox Sports this week regarding his leadership in changing Georgia sex offender laws so they are appropriately applied to the crimes committed. The cases of Marcus Dixon and Genarlow Wilson, both charged with sexual offenses after having teenage consensual sex, demonstrated the need for sentencing reform. Dixon now plays for the Dallas Cowboys. Jones’ interview will air this Sunday, Dec. 21, at noon on the Fox Sports network.
“The Marcus Dixon case was the catalyst for changing state law to make the distinction between adults who commit heinous crimes and teenagers who engage in consensual behavior,” said Jones. “I fought to ensure that the change was made retroactive so those who had been unfairly sentenced were given an opportunity to reclaim their lives.”
Fox Sports reporter Pam Oliver interviewed Jones at the state Capitol for a segment on native Georgian Dixon, who at 18 was charged with aggravated child molestation in 2003 after engaging in consensual sex with a 15-year-old girl. Dixon was originally sentenced to 10 years in prison, but after serving 15 months, the state Supreme Court overturned his sentence. After a successful college career, Dixon is beginning his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys practice team.
In 2006, the mandatory 10-year minimum prison sentence was eradicated for teenagers convicted of a sexual offense after engaging in consensual sexual activity, making the charge a misdemeanor. However, that change did not apply to those convicted before 2006, as in Wilson’s case, an oversight that Jones sought to correct. Wilson’s sentence was overturned upon a Georgia State Supreme Court ruling as a result of legislation authored by Jones.
“Both Genarlow and Marcus fought for their freedom, and I was determined to see that their courage was justified,” Jones said. “I am pleased Fox Sports chose to highlight this issue, which I believe shows Georgia to be a state where justice is sensibly applied.”
Submitted by the Senate Press Office at The Daily Citizen
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