Description: Peoria, Illinois criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with enticement of female minor.

A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on November 14, 2023, against Jeffrey D. Parmly, 60, of Peoria, Illinois, for attempted enticement of a minor. Sentencing for Parmly is scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the federal courthouse in Peoria.

Parmly was previously convicted of murder in Marion County, Illinois, in 1984 and given a death sentence, which was later reduced to 76 years. He was paroled in November 2021 and was on parole at the time of the current offense.

Over two days of testimony, the government presented evidence that, in December of last year, Parmly communicated with, and attempted to meet, an individual for the purpose of having sexual contact with an 11-year-old girl.

Parmly remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service. At sentencing, he faces statutory penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment, to be followed by five years to a life term of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and pay a mandatory $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.

The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy A. Bass and John David Hoelzer represented the government at trial.


18:2422.F: COERCION OR ENTICEMENT OF FEMALE. On or between December 23,2022, and December 30, 2022, in Peoria County and elsewhere within the Central District of Illinois, the defendant, using any facility and means of interstate and foreign commerce, did knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years, to engage in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal office. All in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b)

Title 18 U.S. Code § 2422, also known as the Mann Act, prohibits anyone from knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing any individual to travel in interstate or foreign commerce with the purpose of engaging in prostitution or any criminal sexual activity, or attempting to do so. The law was originally enacted in 1910 to combat the "white slave trade," which involved the trafficking of women and girls for prostitution. It has since been amended several times to broaden its scope and increase the penalties for violators.

Elements of the Offense

To prove a violation of § 2422, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

The defendant knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced an individual to travel in interstate or foreign commerce. This means that the defendant must have been aware that their actions would cause the individual to travel across state or national borders.

The defendant intended that the individual engage in prostitution or any criminal sexual activity. This means that the defendant must have acted with the specific intent to cause the individual to engage in sexual activity for money or other compensation, or to engage in any other sexual activity that is prohibited by law.

The defendant actually caused the individual to travel in interstate or foreign commerce. This means that the defendant's actions must have been the proximate cause of the individual's travel.

Penalties

The penalties for violating § 2422 are as follows:

For a first offense: Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
For a second or subsequent offense: Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000.

If the individual who has been persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced to engage in prostitution or other criminal sexual act is under the age of 18, then the penalty is 15 years imprisonment and/or a fine.

Defenses

There are a few defenses that can be raised to a charge of violating § 2422. These include:

Lack of knowledge: The defendant did not know that their actions would cause the individual to travel in interstate or foreign commerce.
Lack of intent: The defendant did not intend that the individual engage in prostitution or any criminal sexual activity.
Entrapment: The defendant was induced or persuaded to commit the offense by a law enforcement officer or government agent who acted for the purpose of obtaining evidence against the defendant.

Conclusion

Coercion and enticement of a female is a serious crime that can result in significant penalties. If you are charged with this offense, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.

Outcome: Defendant was found guilty.

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