Under state laws a person generally commits the criminal offense of solicitation of a minor—also known as solicitation of a minor for lewd purposes—if the person knowingly solicits a minor to meet the person or another person with the intent that the minor will engage in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with the person or another person. These laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code—and may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or as a felony offense, depending on the state’s laws and the circumstances of the alleged crime.

And under federal law a person commits the criminal offense of coercion and enticement if the person knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual to travel in interstate or foreign commerce, 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 if a person attempts to do so. 18 U.S.C. §2422(a).

Similarly, a person commits this criminal offense of coercion and enticement if the person uses the mail or any facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce (including the internet or telephones) to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, or coerce any individual under 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 if a person attempts to do so. 18 U.S.C. §2422(b).

And a person commits the related federal criminal offense of transportation of minors if the person knowingly transports an individual under the age of 18 years in interstate or foreign commerce, or in any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States, with the intent that the individual engage in prostitution or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense. 18 U.S.C. §2423(a).

In Pennsylvania, solicitation of a minor for sexual purposes is a serious criminal offense. Under state law, an individual commits this crime if they knowingly solicit a minor to meet with the intent that the minor will engage in sexual activity. The severity of the charge, whether a misdemeanor or felony, depends on the specific circumstances of the case and the age of the minor involved. Federally, the crime of coercion and enticement under 18 U.S.C. §2422(a) occurs when someone persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual to travel across state lines or to/from U.S. territories for prostitution or illegal sexual activity, or attempts to do so. When the individual involved is under 18, 18 U.S.C. §2422(b) applies, which also covers the use of mail or any means of interstate or foreign commerce for such purposes. Additionally, under 18 U.S.C. §2423(a), it is a federal offense to transport a minor across state or international borders with the intent that the minor engage in prostitution or illegal sexual activity. These federal laws are designed to protect minors from sexual exploitation and apply regardless of whether the conduct occurs in Pennsylvania or crosses state lines.