Georgia Couple Facing Federal Charges

According to reports, a couple from the Savannah area have been arrested on allegations that the husband attempted to coerce minors online for sex and that the wife attempted to cover it up.

The two individuals are Internet personalities according to reports. They have cultivated an online following. They both do tarot cards and oracle readings. Multiple minors and juveniles have come forward since 2017 stating that the husband solicited them. The wife has been accused of attempting to persuade the alleged victims to recant allegations.

Although the couple is facing federal charges - there are state-level charges for coercing a minor in the state of Georgia.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will focus today's post on the state law against coercion of a minor.

Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes in Georgia

Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes in Georgia is defined by Georgia Law in O.C.G.A. § 16-6-5 as:

A person commits the crime of enticing a child for indecent purposes when he or she solicits, entices, or takes any child under the age of 16 years to a place whatsoever for the purpose of child molestation or indecent acts.

Asportation is an element in enticing a child for indecent purposes. There must be some taking or moving the child towards somewhere that an indecent act would occur. The taking could be accomplished by using force, enticement, or persuasion.

A person convicted of enticing a child for indecent purposes will be guilty of a felony. The penalty if convicted will be a prison term between 10 and 30 years. 

However, if the victim is between 14 and 16 years old and the person convicted is 18 years or younger and no more than 4 years older than the victim, that person will be guilty of a misdemeanor.

In addition to a prison sentence, the defendant will also be required to register as a Georgia Sex Offender. If required to register as a sex offender in Georgia, you must: 1. Provide the required information to the appropriate law enforcement official before you are released from prison or placed on parole, supervised release, or probation; 2. Register in person with the sheriff of the county in which you reside within 72 hours after your release 3. If you are homeless, you still have 72 hours to notify the sheriff of the county where you sleep. O.C.G.A. §42-1-12.

Practice Note

If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact our offices now.