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§ 566.211 RSMo – Second-Degree Sexual Trafficking of a Child in Missouri

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Posted by Christopher Combs on July 21, 2025

566.211. Sexual trafficking of a child, second degree, penalty.

It’s illegal to involve anyone under 18 in sex acts or porn — even by tricking or paying them.

This law makes it a serious crime to recruit, use, or profit from a minor (under 18) in sex work, porn, or sexual performances — even if you didn’t know their exact age.

1. A person commits second-degree sexual trafficking of a child if they knowingly do any of the following with someone under 18:

  • Recruit, lure, transport, or obtain them for sex acts, porn, or performances — including by force, threats, or lies;
  • Cause them to take part in those acts;
  • Advertise them for sex, porn, or performances.

2. It is not a defense to say the person thought the child was 18 or older.

3. This crime is a felony with a prison sentence of 10 years to life and a fine up to $250,000. If force, kidnapping, or threats were involved, the sentence is life in prison with no chance of parole until 25 years are served.

View the full statute here

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