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 West Virginia, solicitation of a minor for lewd purposes is a criminal offense that occurs when an individual knowingly solicits a minor to meet with the intent that the minor will engage in sexual activity. The specifics of this offense, including whether it is treated as a misdemeanor or felony, are detailed in the state's penal or criminal code. The severity of the charge and the penalties upon conviction can vary based on the circumstances of the case. Federally, under 18 U.S.C. §2422(a), the crime of coercion and enticement is committed when someone knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual to travel to engage in prostitution or illegal sexual activity, or attempts to do so. This law is applicable when the travel involves interstate or foreign commerce. Additionally, under 18 U.S.C. §2422(b), using any means of interstate or foreign commerce to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, or coerce an individual under 18 to engage in illegal sexual activity constitutes the same offense. Furthermore, under 18 U.S.C. §2423(a), the federal offense of transportation of minors is committed when a person knowingly transports an individual under 18 across state or international lines with the intent that the individual engage in prostitution or illegal sexual activity. These federal statutes carry severe penalties and are enforced by federal agencies such as the FBI.