READING, Oct. 4, 2012 — As concerns of gang violence and gang recruitment grow in Reading, state Sen. Judy Schwank said that this week’s Senate passage of anti-gang legislation offers a step toward deterring this disturbing activity that plagues neighborhoods and recruits children.

House Bill 1121 would make recruiting criminal street gang members a crime and would increase sentences for crimes committed in association with a criminal street gang.

The senator said the movement of this legislation is of particular interest to the City of Reading, as it has been reported that the recent fights at the Citadel intermediate school may be gang related.

“It’s particularly disturbing that gangs are luring our children into a life of danger, criminal activity, and violence. The fights at the Citadel are endangering students and faculty and disrupting the students’ education. If gang activity is a source of the violence, then it’s imperative that we seek proactive measures to put an end to it now,” Schwank said. “We need to send a clear message that gang recruitment will not be tolerated, especially among our youth. House Bill 1121 is a solid step in the right direction for Reading and communities all across the commonwealth.”

The bill is now back in the House of Representatives for consideration.

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