by Attorney Eric D. PuryearThe Federal crimes of Coercion and Enticement relate to situations where a person is accused of causing another person to travel for or engage in prostitution or any other unlawful sexual activity. The penalties vary depending upon the age of the individual and other factors, as set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 2422 as shown below:
(a) Whoever knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual to travel in interstate or foreign commerce, or in any Territory or Possession of the United States, to engage in prostitution, or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.
(b) Whoever, using the mail or any facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce, or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years, to engage in prostitution or any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title and imprisoned not less than 10 years or for life.
In cases where the sexual activity does not involve a minor, the penalty is up to 20 years in prison. Cases involving minors have a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and a maximum of life. As with all Federal criminal cases, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines will have a major impact upon the amount of time that a person will serve if convicted.
A person who is facing a charge of Coercion and Enticement at the Federal level is well advised to exercise their right to remain silent, and seek an attorney at once.