Travel for the Purpose of Having Sex with a Minor

Federal statutes governing trafficking and sex tourism include 18 U.S.C. ” 1591, 2421, 2422, and 2423.  These statutes prohibit one from traveling across state lines or to another country to have sex with a minor.  Although the laws may be different abroad, the Federal Government believes that the sex tourism industry is growing and has set its eyes on convicting all persons that traveled aboard and may have had a sexual relationship with a minor, regardless of the nature of that alleged relationship.  Many Americans travel to foreign countries in areas such as Asia and Eastern Europe for a variety of reasons.  If, however, a sexual relationship ensued with a minor during the time abroad, the United States Attorney’s Office could investigate and later prosecute a person for traveling to a foreign country for purposes having sex with minors.  The Federal Government is very serious about eradicating what it deems deviant and immoral behavior.  As such, laws governing this conduct deal very harshly with someone convicted for a crime as described above.