Coercion and enticement
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
(a) Whoever knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual to travel in , 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 to do so, shall be or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.
(b) Whoever, using the mail or any facility or means of , or within the 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 to do so, shall be and imprisoned not less than 10 years or for life.
History: (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 812 (PDF, 39 MB); Pub. L. 99–628, §5(b)(1), Nov. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 3511; Pub. L. 100–690, title VII, §7070, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4405 (PDF, 56 MB); Pub. L. 104–104, title V, §508, Feb. 8, 1996, 110 Stat. 137; Pub. L. 105–314, title I, §102, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2975; Pub. L. 108–21, title I, §103(a)(2)(A), (B), (b)(2)(A), Apr. 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 652, 653; Pub. L. 109–248, title II, §203, July 27, 2006, 120 Stat. 613.)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to knowingly persuade, lure, or force someone to travel across state or national lines to engage in prostitution or other illegal sexual activity. It is also a crime to use the mail, internet, phone, or similar means to knowingly persuade, lure, or force anyone under 18 into prostitution or illegal sexual activity. Attempts are also crimes.