It is a federal criminal offense for a person to knowingly transport an individual who is less than 18 years of age in interstate or foreign commerce, or in any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States, with the intent that the individual engage in prostitution or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense. 18 U.S.C. §2423(a). A person convicted under this statute will be fined and imprisoned for not less than 10 years—and for as long as life in prison.

And it is a federal criminal offense for a person to travel in interstate commerce in the United States, or into the United States, or to travel in foreign commerce (outside of the United States) for the purpose of engaging in any illicit sexual conduct—as defined in 18 U.S.C. §2423(f)—with another person. 18 U.S.C. §2423(b). A person convicted of this offense may be fined and imprisoned for up to 30 years.

It is also a federal criminal offense for a person to travel in foreign commerce or to reside in a foreign country—either temporarily or permanently—and engage in any illicit sexual conduct with another person. 18 U.S.C. §2423(c). A person convicted of this offense may be fined and imprisoned for up to 30 years.

And it is a federal criminal offense for a person to arrange, induce, procure, or facilitate—for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain—the travel of a person knowing that such a person is traveling in interstate commerce or foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct. 18 U.S.C. §2423(d). A person convicted of this offense may be fined and imprisoned for up to 30 years.

In addition to these criminal offenses, it is also a criminal offense to attempt to violate one of these federal statutes, or to conspire to violate one of these federal statutes. 18 U.S.C. §2423(e). A person convicted of this offense may be fined and imprisoned for up to 30 years.

Under federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. §2423, there are several criminal offenses related to the transportation and engagement in illicit sexual conduct with minors and others. In North Dakota, as in all states, these federal laws apply. It is a crime to knowingly transport someone under 18 across state lines or international borders for the purpose of prostitution or other sexual crimes (§2423(a)), with penalties including a minimum of 10 years to life in prison. Traveling across state or international borders for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct (§2423(b) and (c)) can result in up to 30 years in prison. Facilitating such travel for commercial or financial gain (§2423(d)) also carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison. Additionally, attempting or conspiring to commit these offenses (§2423(e)) is equally punishable. These statutes are enforced by federal authorities and apply regardless of state lines, ensuring that individuals in North Dakota are subject to the same federal regulations as those in other states.