Child Predators Who Take their Victims Across State Lines

The FBI has reportedly launched an investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Various news outlets have reported that many victims who were sexually abused as children have been interviewed by the FBI during that last several months. Many of the victims were allegedly abused and taken across state lines to other locations by priests serving in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Federal investigations into child sexual abuse are often hampered by the inability to link the abuse to violations of federal criminal law. However, this investigation (and other more recent federal probes) focuses on potential violations of the federal Mann Act. “Cases arising under the Mann Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2421 et seq., are investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and are referred directly to the appropriate United States Attorneys. The Child and Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Criminal Division is responsible for supervision of the Act.”

Sections 2421 to 2423 of the Act set forth several offenses including the offense of knowingly transporting any individual, male or female, in interstate or foreign commerce or in any territory or possession of the United States for the purpose of prostitution or sexual activity which is a criminal offense under the federal or state statute or local ordinance. Section 2423 is concerned solely with the transportation of minors under the age of 18 years and provides for an enhanced penalty.”