State lawmaker Seeks Stiffer Penalties for Crimes against Elderly

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A state lawmaker says he wants harsher punishment for those who commit crimes against the elderly.<br/><br/>Representative Mike Shelton of Oklahoma City wants to amend the Elderly

Monday, January 23rd 2006, 9:26 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A state lawmaker says he wants harsher punishment for those who commit crimes against the elderly.

Representative Mike Shelton of Oklahoma City wants to amend the Elderly and Incapacitated Victim's Protection Act to increase the penalty from a minimum of 30 days in jail to 90 days.

Shelton says the elderly are targeted by opportunistic criminals because they are so easily taken advantage of. He says officials should be doing everything they can to deter that behavior.

Shelton says he filed the bill because he believes incidents of fraud and scams against the elderly are increasing.