Pennsylvania imposes harsh penalties for the solicitation of sex with a minor. Courts often side with law enforcement and grant them significant powers to ensure minors are safe. A recent case involving a high school teacher and online communications with an individual he believed to be a minor illustrates the high stakes involved.
Facts of the Case
In March 2023, the Bucks County DA charged a high school teacher with attempting to have sex with a minor. The charges stemmed from online encounters the teacher, Steven Struzinski, had via an online dating app with an individual whom Struzinski believed was a 13-year-old boy.
In reality, the other individual was an adult posing as a minor. According to the charges, in May 2022, after meeting online and believing the other individual was a minor, Struzinski initiated sexual conversations and suggested the two meet for sex at a Buckingham Township park.
The other individual took photos of Struzinski in his vehicle before referring the matter to the police. What facts are known about the case indicate that Struzinski is unlikely to use a defense to explain his actions and mitigate the charges.
Entrapment
The Pennsylvania Code forbids the use of entrapment as a way to incite people into criminal activity. In this case, evidence indicating the other individual was working with law enforcement has not emerged.
Moreover, the individual did not make any false representations that would lead Struzinski to believe his conduct was legal. The individual stated he was a minor and that, after this disclosure, Struzinski initiated the initial sexual conversations.
Soliciting a Crime
Law enforcement officials have been known to pose as minors online to catch individuals distributing child pornography or soliciting minors. Law enforcement authorities have considerable leeway in these operations as our society places a high premium on protecting children.
In Struzinski's case, the individual posing as a minor was not a law enforcement official. Nothing indicates they encouraged or misled Struzinski in a manner that Struzinski could use as a defense.
Likewise, the current charges do not indicate that the other individual coerced Struzinski's actions. One defense to these charges, which does not seem to be relevant for Struzinski, is if he lacked the knowledge that the other person was either a minor or posing as a minor.
Motor Vehicles
Although the arranged sexual encounter did not occur, if it had, Struzinski may also have been guilty of luring a minor into a motor vehicle. Except when a child is in need of assistance or help, Pennsylvania forbids adults from enticing a child to enter a motor vehicle absent a parent or guardian's express or implied consent.
Defend Your Rights
Pennsylvania has a responsibility to protect minors. At the same time, misinformation and misunderstandings may result in an adult being charged with crimes they didn't commit. The consequences are serious. If convicted, adults may be required to register as sex offenders, be limited in their job and housing prospects, and even face jail time.
If you either have been or might be charged with crimes against a minor, you need to be proactive in building your defense. The LLF Law Firm team is experienced in criminal defense. Contact us online or 888-535-3686.
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