18 U.S.C. § 1583 – Enticement Into Slavery
This law makes it a federal crime to kidnap, entice, or induce a person into slavery or involuntary servitude, or to obstruct enforcement of the prohibition on slavery.
This statute targets conduct intended to place another person into slavery or involuntary servitude, including coercive movement or inducement to a vessel or other location.
It applies both to direct acts of kidnapping or enticement and to interference with enforcement of federal anti-slavery laws.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they:
- Kidnap or carry away another person with intent that the person be sold into involuntary servitude or held as a slave
- Entice, persuade, or induce another person to go on board any vessel or to any other place with intent that the person be made or held as a slave, or sent out of the country to be so made or held
- Obstruct, attempt to obstruct, interfere with, or prevent the enforcement of this section
Penalties.
A person convicted under this statute shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than thirty years, or both.
If the violation results in death, or includes kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, the penalty shall be a fine under this title or imprisonment for any term of years or for life, or both.
If you’re being investigated or charged under a federal slavery or involuntary servitude statute, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options.
