16-12-100.5. Grooming of a minor for a sexual offense or trafficking for sexual servitude.

As used in this Code section, the term:#

1. (1)

   “Computer” has the same meaning as provided in Code Section 16-9-92.#

2. (2)

   “Electronic device” has the same meaning as provided in Code Section 16-12-100.2.#

3. (3)

   “Minor” means any person under the age of 18 years.#

4. (4)

   “Pattern of conduct or communication” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose.#

5. (5)

   “Sexual offense” has the same meaning as provided in Code Section 17-10-6.2.#

6. (6)

   “Sexual servitude” has the same meaning as provided in Code Section 16-5-46.#

A person over the age of 18 and no less than 48 months older than the alleged victim commits the offense of grooming of a minor when such person knowingly and intentionally engages in a pattern of conduct or communication in person; through a third party; through the use of an electronic device, a computer, social media, or text messages; or by any other means to gain access to, to gain the compliance of, to prepare, to persuade, to induce, or to coerce a minor to engage in a sexual offense or trafficking of persons for sexual servitude.#

Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.#

It shall not be a defense to prosecution under this Code section that no sexual offense or trafficking of persons for sexual servitude was accomplished or attempted.#

A person shall be subject to prosecution in this state pursuant to Code Section 17-2-1 for any conduct made unlawful by this Code section which the person engages in while:#

1. (1)

   Either within or outside of this state if such conduct involves a minor who resides in this state or another person believed by such person to be a minor residing in this state; or#

2. (2)

   Within this state if such conduct involves a minor who resides within or outside this state or another person believed by such person to be a minor residing within or outside this state.#