18 U.S.C. § 1591 – Sex trafficking of children or by force, fraud, or coercion
This law makes it a federal crime to recruit, transport, harbor, or profit from sex trafficking involving children or adults through force, fraud, or coercion.
Section 1591 is the core federal sex trafficking statute. It targets individuals who exploit others for commercial sex, as well as those who knowingly benefit from trafficking operations.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly:
- Recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, or maintain another person for a commercial sex act.
- Use force, threats, fraud, or coercion to cause an adult to engage in commercial sex.
- Cause a minor to engage in a commercial sex act, regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is used.
- Advertise, solicit, or facilitate sex trafficking through online platforms or other means.
- Knowingly benefit financially or receive anything of value from participation in a sex trafficking venture.
- Attempt or conspire to commit any of the above acts.
Key distinction.
When the victim is under 18, the government does not need to prove force, fraud, or coercion. The minor’s age alone is enough to support a charge.
The law also applies to people who knowingly purchase or solicit commercial sex acts involving trafficked persons.
What counts as a commercial sex act.
A commercial sex act is any sexual activity performed in exchange for money or anything of value, whether the payment goes to the victim or to someone else.
Penalties.
Sex trafficking charges carry some of the harshest penalties in federal law:
- Mandatory minimum sentences of 10 or 15 years, depending on the circumstances.
- Up to life imprisonment for offenses involving minors, force, or serious harm.
- Asset forfeiture, fines, and lifetime supervised release.
Important note.
A defendant does not need to know the victim’s exact age if the circumstances would cause a reasonable person to believe the victim was under 18.
If you are facing allegations related to sex trafficking or exploitation, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options.
