United States v. Banker

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The Fourth Circuit affirmed defendant's convictions for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1594; sex trafficking of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1591(a); and enticement of a minor for illegal sexual activity, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2422(b). The court held that the district court did not err in instructing the jury as to the requisite mental state required to convict under sections 1591(a) and 1594(c); the court rejected defendant's contention that the district court should have instructed the jury that it must find that he had actual knowledge that the victim was a minor for purposes of a conviction under section 2422(b); and the evidence was sufficient to show that defendant knew or recklessly disregarded the fact that the victim was under the age of eighteen years. View "United States v. Banker" on Justia Law