The Harsh Consequences of Enticing a Minor as a Repeat Offender

Law enforcement in Florida and federal prosecutors take crimes related to enticing minors very seriously. Being convicted of such a crime can result in severe penalties, especially if the person has a previous conviction. For repeat offenders, consequences of being convicted of enticing a minor can include decades in prison, lifetime supervision, and permanent sex offender registration. It is vital for anyone facing allegations of enticing a minor to understand the laws surrounding this crime and how the law treats repeat offenses.

Understanding the Meaning of “Enticing a Minor”

According to 18 U.S.C. section 2422(b), it is a federal offense to use the internet, phone, or another electronic communication to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a minor into sexual activity. This also applies to cases where the “minor” is actually an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a child or the parent or guardian of a minor child.

It is crucial to note that you can be charged with the offense of enticing a minor even if no physical contact or actual meeting occurs. Intent and communication are the primary factors law enforcement considers in these cases. That means that sending explicit messages or planning to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor can be enough to lead to prosecution. Again, this is true, even if the “minor” is an undercover officer.

A first-time conviction for this offense typically carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. Depending on the specifics of the case, a defendant could be sentenced for up to life in prison. Repeat offenders usually face harsher penalties.

The Consequences for Repeat Offenders

Suppose a person who has been previously convicted of a sex-related crime and has been required to register as a sex offender is convicted of the offense of enticing a minor. In such a case, the law requires that they receive an additional 10-year prison sentence in addition to the punishment for the offense of enticing a minor.

On top of facing lengthy prison time, a defendant may also face;

• Permanent registration as a sex offender
• Lifetime supervised release
• Trouble seeking employment and finding housing
• Public stigma

Due to the severe and long-lasting consequences, it is crucial for defendants to work with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney.

Real Case Example

A recent case illustrates the severe penalties that can be imposed on repeat offenders for the offense of enticing a minor. In February 2025, a U.S. District Court sentenced a 49-year-old man, whom, for purposes of this article, we will refer to as C.P., from Fort Pierce, to 22 years and 7 months in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor and committing a new felony involving a minor when required to register as a sex offender.

According to testimony and evidence, C.P. started communicating with an undercover officer he thought was the father of a 13-year-old girl. After some time, he arranged a meeting with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with the girl. While he fled after conducting counter-surveillance at the meeting point, he was later identified and arrested.

C.P. had previously been convicted of sending explicit pictures and traveling to meet a 13-year-old girl. He had also been required to register as a sex offender.

Contact Us for Legal Help

If you’ve been charged with enticing a minor or are under investigation, contact our experienced Orlando sex crime lawyer at Joshi Law Firm, P.A. today. We can help protect your rights.

Source:

justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/repeat-child-sex-offender-sentenced-more-22-years-federal-prison