In an undercover sting in Denver, a man has been arrested for Internet Luring of a Child – C.R.S. 18-3-306, and attempted Sexual Assault on a Child – C.R.S. 18-3-405. The man was already on parole as a sex offender when he contacted a 13-year-old girl over Facebook. He claimed to be studying “sexology” in school, and suggested they meet up to have sex. The girl's mother reported the event to the Arapahoe County sheriff, who posed as the girl and continued to communicate with the man. He made it clear that he wished to have a sexual relationship, and offered to travel to pick up the girl. Instead of meeting her, the man was arrested for internet luring of a child.

What is Internet Luring in Colorado?

Internet luring is charged when a person communicates online, by phone, or by text message, with a person they know is under 15 years old, and discusses explicit sexual conduct. In order to be charged with internet luring, however, it must be proved that you also made a statement “persuading or inviting” the child to meet for any purpose.

• The meeting does not have to be for a sexual encounter – a non-sexual meeting would be enough to be convicted of internet luring, if sexually explicit conduct was discussed in the communication.
• The meeting doesn't actually have to occur in order to be charged – it simply has to be suggested.

What is the Sentence for Internet Luring in Adams, Jefferson or Douglas County?

Internet Luring of a Child is a Class 5 felony, but it is a Class 4 felony if it was committed with the intent to meet for a sexual encounter.

Class 5 Felony:

• 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections
• $1,000 – $100,000 fine

Class 4 Felony:

• 2 – 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections
• $2,000 – $500,000 fine

Because the man suggested that he pick up the girl “with the intent to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual exploitation,” he will be charged with a Class 4 felony. If you are convicted of internet luring of a child, you will be required to register as a sex offender, and undergo sex offender treatment overseen by the Sex Offender Management Board.

Request a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been contacted by the police regarding internet luring of a child, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.

Source: CBS Denver – http://denver.cbslocal.com/2013/08/05/undercover-stings-nets-man-accused-of-internet-luring/

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