Sen. Altman: Florida Sex Laws Should Be Changed For Teens

Kaitlyn "Kate" Hunt

SEBASTIAN, Florida -- Florida State Senator Thad Altman (R-Rockledge) told NBC news affiliate WPTV during an interview that Florida's sexual consent laws should be changed to allow for more leniency when it comes to situations where an 18-year-old high school senior has romantic relations with younger underclassmen.

Sen. Thad Altman

Altman's remarks were prompted by the case involving 18-year-old Kaitlyn "Kate" Hunt, who was arrested for having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old Sophomore while they both were attending Sebastian River High School.

Hunt, who is facing felony charges in that case, rejected a plea deal last week made by a Florida State attorney which would have labeled Hunt a sex offender.  Kate's mother created an online petition to ask the State Attorney to drop the charges in that case.   Altman described the case as "tragic situation" where a teen now faces 15 years in prison.

Although Altman's Florida Senate District 16 is mostly made up of south Brevard County, it also covers northern portions of Indian River County, including Sebastian River High School.