Child Sex Tourism Prosecutions Abroad
Overview: Child Sex Tourism Prosecutions Abroad
What is Child Sex Tourism?
Child sex tourism occurs when individuals travel from their home country to another country to engage in sexual activities with minors. This is a serious offense that many countries, including the U.S., prosecute to deter exploitation.
U.S. Legal Framework
PROTECT Act (2003), 18 U.S.C. § 2423(c) — Criminalizes engaging in illicit sexual conduct with minors abroad.
Other statutes related to child pornography and trafficking may also apply.
Jurisdiction: The U.S. asserts extraterritorial jurisdiction over its citizens for such crimes committed abroad.
Case Law: Detailed Examples
1. United States v. Hawkins (2006)
Court: Eastern District of Virginia
Facts:
Hawkins was convicted for traveling to Cambodia and engaging in sexual acts with minors under the PROTECT Act.
Charges:
Traveling abroad to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minors.
Outcome:
Sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Significance:
One of the first major federal convictions under the PROTECT Act showing U.S. extraterritorial reach.
2. United States v. Collins (2012)
Court: Southern District of Florida
Facts:
Collins traveled to the Philippines, where he solicited sex from minors and recorded explicit videos.
Charges:
Travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct; production of child pornography.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Significance:
Highlighted that both travel and producing pornography abroad trigger severe penalties.
3. United States v. Narunsky (2014)
Court: District of Massachusetts
Facts:
Narunsky was found guilty of using the internet to arrange sex tourism trips to Thailand involving minors.
Charges:
Conspiracy, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Outcome:
Sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.
Significance:
Shows the role of online communications in planning sex tourism and prosecution scope.
4. United States v. Reynolds (2016)
Court: Eastern District of New York
Facts:
Reynolds was arrested after admitting to police in the Dominican Republic that he paid minors for sex.
Charges:
Violation of the PROTECT Act for travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Significance:
Demonstrates cooperation between U.S. and foreign law enforcement in prosecuting sex tourists.
5. United States v. Moreno (2018)
Court: District of New Jersey
Facts:
Moreno traveled to Mexico and was arrested after evidence showed repeated sexual acts with minors.
Charges:
Traveling abroad to engage in illicit sexual conduct and possession of child pornography.
Outcome:
Sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
Significance:
Illustrates cumulative charges and harsh sentences for repeat offenders.
6. United States v. Allen (2020)
Court: District of Arizona
Facts:
Allen used online forums to coordinate trips to multiple countries for sex with minors.
Charges:
Travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, conspiracy, and child pornography.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Significance:
Focuses on the use of technology and networks in child sex tourism, with enhanced penalties.
Legal Principles and Notes
The PROTECT Act is central—it criminalizes travel with intent to engage in sexual acts with minors abroad.
The U.S. prosecutes its citizens even if the acts are legal in the destination country.
Sentences are severe, often over a decade in prison.
Prosecutions often involve cooperation between U.S. authorities and foreign governments.
Digital evidence, including emails, chat logs, and videos, is crucial in many cases.
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