NCJ Number
227040
Date Published
February 2008
Length
163 pages
Annotation
Findings are reported from a nationwide analysis of Federal prosecutions of cases related to the commercial sexual exploitation of children and youth (CSEC) from 1998 through 2005, in order to determine the impact of the Federal Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000.
Abstract
Data focus on whether existing laws related to CSEC are being enforced; the key features of successful CSEC cases; the factors that predict convictions; the factors that predict sentence length; whether U.S. courts have increased penalties for sexual crimes against children; and the effects of CSEC legislation on service providers who work with these victims. The study found that at the Federal level, laws that target offenses associated with CSEC are being used. From 1998 to 2005, the total number of suspects in criminal CSEC matters investigated and concluded by U.S. attorneys nationally more than doubled. There was a greater chance of conviction if the case was filed after the passage of the TVPA; was investigated by U.S. Customs (as opposed to the FBI); had a longer case-processing time; contained only one defendant in contrast to co-defendants; was a child pornography case (compared to child prostitution or child sexual exploitation offenses); and was filed in the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh Circuits. Longer prison sentences were associated with offenders going to trial; non-White offenders; having low education levels; being charged with child sexual exploitation; meeting higher sentencing guidelines for offense severity; and being sentenced in the Sixth Circuit. Laws associated with CSEC passed since 2000 increased the penalties associated with CSEC-related offenses. Federal CSEC legislation has increased the caseload work of local service providers. 3 exhibits, 25 figures, and 11 appendixes with supplementary data and information