Facing Federal Charges for Online Enticement or Child Pornography? Here’s What You Need to Know

By Barry Wax

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Criminal Defense

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Jan 21, 2026

Executive Summary: Federal crimes involving online communication with minors, such as enticement, attempted production, or possession of child pornography, carry mandatory minimums ranging from 5 to 15 years. These charges often begin with online chats, undercover stings, or reports from third parties like computer repair technicians. Sentencing enhancements can drastically increase prison time based on image quantity, communication patterns, and use of technology. State-level charges in Florida also carry harsh minimums. If you’re being investigated, contact a qualified defense attorney immediately.

If you’ve been contacted by federal agents or even just suspect you’re under investigation because of something involving the internet and a minor, stop everything and get legal help. These cases move quickly and carry some of the longest mandatory prison sentences in the federal system.

You don’t need to meet with a minor. You don’t even need to receive a photo. In many cases, just asking the wrong question in a chat room or app is enough for the government to charge you.

These are not light accusations. But if you understand the structure of these charges, what triggers them, and how sentencing works, you’ll be in a better position to make decisions that could change the outcome of your life.

What Are the Most Common Federal Charges?

Several federal statutes are used in these cases. Here are the ones you’re most likely to see:

• 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b): Online Enticement of a Minor: This charge covers anyone who uses the internet to attempt to persuade, induce, or entice someone under 18 to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The minimum sentence is 10 years. There is no parole in the federal system. If convicted, you serve most of your sentence.
• 18 U.S.C. § 2251: Production or Attempted Production of Child Pornography: You don’t need to receive a photo. Even asking for one can count as attempted production. If convicted, the mandatory minimum is 15 years in prison. These charges often stem from undercover operations where no real minor exists, but the government treats them the same.
• 18 U.S.C. § 2252: Possession or Receipt of Child Pornography: Receiving or possessing any illegal image or video, whether through a peer-to-peer platform, dark web marketplace, or email, is a federal offense. The minimum sentence is 5 years if convicted.

Common Ways These Cases Start

Many clients I meet never expected to be sitting across from a federal defense attorney. Some were caught in online stings. Others were reported by someone they talked to online. Many cases start when someone takes their computer in for repair. The technician sees illegal images and reports them to the authorities.

Important: If a repair technician finds illegal content and reports it, that’s not considered an illegal search. The material is no longer private once it’s handed over, and courts have upheld the repair shop’s right to report it.

Penalties Are Harsh and There’s No Ceiling

Sentences for these charges are based on several factors. Here are a few that courts consider:

• Number of images: Sentencing guidelines increase sharply as the image count goes up. There is no ceiling.
• Age of victims: Images involving prepubescent children lead to higher offense levels.
• Use of computer: The fact that the offense took place using technology is an enhancement.
• Number of victims: Talking to multiple people, whether real or undercover, can increase penalties.
• Sadistic or violent content: Any images deemed especially harmful carry additional sentencing weight.

It’s not just about what’s found. It’s about how much, how often, and how far the government believes you were willing to go.

Florida State Minimum Sentences

These offenses also carry serious penalties at the state level. In Florida:

• Solicitation of a Minor: Minimum of 7 years
• Possession of CP: Minimum of 5 years
• Online Enticement (Traveling to Meet a Minor): Minimum of 10 years
• Production or Attempted Production of CP: Minimum of 15 years

And these numbers are just the floor. Judges often exceed the minimums depending on aggravating factors.

Why Federal Prosecutors Pursue These So Aggressively

From a policy standpoint, these charges are a high priority for federal law enforcement. Cases that originate on the dark web, encrypted apps, or anonymous platforms are increasingly traced back to individual users through digital forensics. And federal agencies invest significant resources into undercover operations, posing as minors online or operating sting operations where they record everything you say and do.

Don’t Try to Explain It Away

One of the worst mistakes people make is trying to talk their way out of this. The federal government doesn’t need a confession. If you ask the wrong question, click the wrong link, or download a file—even unknowingly—you can still be charged. And your words, once on the record, will be used against you.

If you’ve been contacted, arrested, or suspect your device may be seized, you need to stop talking and call a lawyer immediately.

I give people in trouble the ability to make the right choices and regain control of their lives. If you’re facing a federal charge involving the internet and a minor, call me. I’ll treat you like a person, not a case file, and give you the honest answers you need.