Experts say teen crimes on the rise

Updated: Aug 14, 2007 02:48 PM






GRAND RAPIDS-- As a 13-year-old from Ottawa County tries to stay out of adult prison for some alleged sexual assaults, prosecutors say the number of juveniles committing sex crimes is on the rise.

The ages 13 through 15 are usually associated with victims but prosecutors say they're seeing more and more cases where teens that age are the perpetrators of sexual crimes.

Vicki Seidl is the senior attorney in charge of the juvenile division for the Kent County Prosecutors Office. 24 Hour News 8 asked her why more juveniles are committing sexual crimes.

Seidl says the days of kids simply sneaking a peak at a playboy magazine are long gone. Now they are bombarded with sexually explicit visual media which is easily accessible online and some choose to act out what they see.

In Ottawa County 13-year-old Fathi Cullen could face adult punishment. Cullen is charged with breaking into a home and attempting to rape an 18 year old this past June. He's also charged with sexually assaulting two other girls that same day. His record already includes sexual assault -- indecent exposure and a probation violation -- all before the age of 13.

Cullen's adoptive parents say Fathi was physically and sexually abused in the foster care system and needs help.

Seidl says it's critical for juvenile offenders to get help and take responsibility and admit what they did because the problem won't correct itself.