18 U.S.C. § 1591 – Sex Trafficking of Children or by Force, Fraud, or Coercion
This law makes it a federal crime to engage in or benefit from sex trafficking involving children or the use of force, fraud, or coercion.
This statute targets sex trafficking conduct involving commercial sex acts obtained through force, threats, fraud, coercion, or involving minors.
It applies to individuals who directly engage in trafficking activities, those who financially benefit from trafficking ventures, and those who interfere with enforcement of this law.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly:
- Recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, advertise, maintain, patronize, or solicit a person for a commercial sex act, knowing or recklessly disregarding that force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion will be used, or that the person is under 18 years of age
- Benefit, financially or by receiving anything of value, from participation in a venture that has engaged in sex trafficking conduct involving force, fraud, coercion, or a minor
- Obstruct, attempt to obstruct, interfere with, or prevent the enforcement of this section
Penalties.
If the offense involves force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion, or if the victim had not attained the age of 14 years, the penalty is a fine under this title and imprisonment for not less than fifteen years or for life.
If the offense involves a victim who had attained the age of 14 years but had not attained the age of 18 years and was not effected by force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion, the penalty is a fine under this title and imprisonment for not less than ten years or for life.
A person who obstructs, attempts to obstruct, or interferes with enforcement of this section shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for a term not to exceed twenty-five years, or both.
If you’re being investigated or charged under a federal sex trafficking statute, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense lawyers to discuss your situation.
