Tough Penalties for leaving Children Unattended Outside Casinos
State Rep. Paul Clymer said incidents of child endangerment at Parx are the result of a gambling addiction. “The worst nightmares have already come true.”
Under legislation being drafted by state Sen. Tommy Tomlinson, R-6, and state Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, R-18, adults who leave children unattended in cars in parking lots outside casinos like Parx could face tough new penalties.
At noon Thursday at the Bensalem municipal building, the two officials said they plan to hold a news conference, 2400 Byberry Road, to discuss their proposal. They declined to discuss details of the bill they say is under development on Monday.
Leaving a child in a car alone can constitute child endangerment, under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. “When there is a course of conduct endangering the welfare of a child”, that is a misdemeanor of the first degree or a felony of the third degree.
A first-degree felony can result in a fine of $10,000 and a prison sentence of 2 1/2 to five years in prison. A third degree felony can result in a fine of $15,000 and a prison sentence 3 1/2 to seven years.
While playing games at Parx casino, Paul Vargas, 34, of Bensalem, is the sixth parent alleged to have left children in the car. To play several hands of blackjack at Parx, Police said he left children ages 7 and 12 and a pit bull puppy in the car Aug. 25.
Parx said it will ban players convicted in such incidents from entering the casino and he will increase security patrols of the parking lot. Detail discussion of Bensalem police’s patrols was declined by them.
Tomlinson said he was “shocked” that gamblers would leave their kids in casino parking lots, as one of the chief architects behind the expansion of gambling in Pennsylvania.
