Parents on Hook: New Plan to Fight Juvenile Crime

In Richland County, Sheriff Leon Lott is launching a bold initiative to combat juvenile crime. The key? Making parents face the music when their kids act up. The "Parent Accountability Initiative" is all about keeping moms and dads in the loop and holding them responsible. If a teen commits a violent crime, parents could be charged with a range of offenses, from unlawful conduct to obstruction. One parent is already facing charges: Shameka Williams, whose 13-year-old son admitted to killing a police dog. Sheriff Lott says Williams' actions led to her being charged. Things are about to get even tougher for parents. The sheriff's department is planning to take a mom to civil court and sue her for damages caused by her child's actions. They're seeking up to $5, 000. Local lawyer Rhodes Bailey sees this as a new approach and wonders how it will stand up in court. He thinks Sheriff Lott wants to create a strong deterrent for crime.