How Online Sting Operations Usually Work
In Utah, law enforcement sometimes uses online sting operations to investigate crimes involving minors. Officers are trained to create undercover profiles on dating apps and social media sites.
These profiles usually:
- Say the person is 18
- Use photos of real adults, sometimes edited to look younger.
- Wait for someone else to start the conversation, or occasionally send the first message.
Once the conversation starts, sexual topics may come up quickly. After that, the undercover officer will say the person they are pretending to be is underage. In many cases, they say the age is 13.
If the other person ends the conversation right away, things usually stop there. If the conversation continues and stays sexual, that is when legal issues can begin.
What “Enticing a Minor” Means in Utah
In Utah, Enticing a Minor is about messages. It happens online. It does not require meeting in person or even planning to meet.
The law focuses on what is said. Asking sexual questions, making sexual comments, or continuing a sexual conversation after learning someone is underage can be enough.
Even one message can matter. Once a message is sent, it cannot be undone. Because these conversations happen on phones or computers, the messages are saved and used as evidence.
Why the Age Is So Important
Age plays a significant role in how these cases are charged.
A conversation involving a 17-year-old is treated differently than one involving a much younger child. When the stated age is 13, the situation becomes much more serious.
During sting operations, undercover officers may keep the conversation going after saying their age. They are watching to see whether sexual discussion continues.
How These Cases Are Charged
Enticing a Minor is usually charged one level below the sexual act being discussed in the messages.
When the conversation involves a 13-year-old, the charge is often a second-degree felony, which can carry a prison sentence of 1 to 15 years.
If someone takes steps to meet the minor in person, the charges can increase. In those cases, prosecutors may file attempted sexual offense charges, which can be first-degree felonies.
Why People End Up in These Situations
Many people involved in these cases were not looking to break the law. They were often looking for connection, companionship, or someone to talk to.
Loneliness plays a role in many of these situations. Still, the law does not look at intent in the same way people do. Courts focus on the messages, the timing, and the age the person believed they were talking to.
Talking to a Lawyer
Cases involving online sting operations move fast and can be overwhelming. Small details in a conversation can make a big difference.
If you or someone you care about is facing charges related to Enticing a Minor, it helps to speak with an attorney who understands how these cases work in Utah.
Stone River Law represents individuals charged in these cases and has experience guiding clients through the legal process.