18 U.S. Code § 2241 – Aggravated Sexual Abuse
This law covers serious sexual crimes, including rape and sexual abuse of children. It prescribes strict penalties for offenders, including long-term imprisonment or life sentences in some cases.
Relevant sections related to children:
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§ 2241(c): Whoever commits a sexual assault on a person under 12 years of age shall be punished with a minimum of 30 years in prison and up to life imprisonment.
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§ 2242 and § 2243: These sections regulate the transportation of children across state lines for the purpose of sexual exploitation, also punishable by life imprisonment.
18 U.S. Code § 2251 – Sexual Exploitation of Children
This section specifically targets child pornography and exploitation:
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Criminal acts include producing, distributing, or possessing pornographic material involving children.
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Penalties are severe: 5 to 30 years in prison, and in more serious cases, up to life imprisonment.
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It also includes mandatory registration in the National Sex Offender Registry, meaning the offender will be under long-term federal supervision.
