What is Child Pornography?

Any visual depiction (including a computer generated image) of a minor, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A minor is anyone under the age of 18. Sexually explicit content is graphic sexual intercourse (all forms) or lascivious simulated intercourse (all forms), graphic or lascivious simulated bestiality, masturbation, or S&M, or graphic or simulated lascivious exhibition of genitals. Distribution of child pornography is punishable by imprisoned not less than 5 years, but not more than 20. Possession of child pornography is punishable by imprisonment of no more than 10 years.

What is Sexual Exploitation of a Child, A.K.A. Enticement of a Child?

Any person who persuades, induces, or entices any minor to engage in any sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct (via interstate commerce). Sexual exploitation of a child is punishable by imprisoned not less than 15 years nor more than 30.

What is the age of consent in Missouri?

In Missouri, the age of consent is 17 years. This is the age at which a person can give consent to engage in sexual acts, but at this age a picture or depiction of that person, involved in such conduct, is still considered child pornography. If the person is under 18, they should not be sexting you or you them. If anyone under 18 is involved in sexting, it is considered child pornography.

What is Statutory Rape?

A person commits statutory rape if he has sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years old. Sexual intercourse is any penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ by the male sex organ, whether or not ejaculation occurs.

What is Statutory Sodomy?

A person commits the crime of statutory sodomy if he has deviate sexual intercourse with another person who is less than 14 years old. Deviate sexual intercourse is any act involving the genitals of one person and the hand, mouth, tongue, or anus of another person or a sexual act involving the penetration, however slight, of the male or female sex organ or the anus by a finger, instrument or object done for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of any person or for the purpose of terrorizing the victim.

What is Child Molestation?

A person commits child molestation if he or she subjects another who is less than 14 years of age to sexual contact. Sexual contact is any touching of another person with the genitals or any touching of the genitals or anus of another person, or the breast of a female person, or such touching through the clothing, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire of any person.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is using the internet or cell phone communications (text/photo) to perpetrate deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior, intending to cause harm. It is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail, to knowingly frighten, intimidate, or cause distress to another person by anonymous call or any electronic communication, or making repeated unwanted communication to another. If the defendant is 21 or older, and the victim is 17 and younger, then it is a Class D Felony punishable by up to 7 year in prison.