(a)
(1) has attained the age of 12 years but has not attained the age of 16 years; and
(2) is at least four years younger than the person so engaging;
or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.
(b)
(1) in official detention; and
(2) under the custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary authority of the person so engaging;
or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.
(c)
(2) In a prosecution under this section, it is a defense, which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the evidence, that the persons engaging in the sexual act were at that time married to each other.
(d)
(1) the age of the other person engaging in the sexual act; or
(2) that the requisite age difference existed between the persons so engaging.
Codification
Pub. L. 99–646 and Pub. L. 99–654 added identical sections 2243.
Amendments
2007—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 110–161 substituted "the head of any Federal department or agency" for "the Attorney General" in introductory provisions.
2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–248, §207(2), inserted comma after "Attorney General" in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 109–162, §1177(a)(4), inserted "or in any prison, institution, or facility in which persons are held in custody by direction of or pursuant to a contract or agreement with the Attorney General" after "in a Federal prison," in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–248 inserted comma after "Attorney General" in introductory provisions and substituted "15 years" for "five years" in concluding provisions.
Pub. L. 109–162, §1177(a)(4), (b)(1), inserted "or in any prison, institution, or facility in which persons are held in custody by direction of or pursuant to a contract or agreement with the Attorney General" after "in a Federal prison," in introductory provisions and substituted "five years" for "one year" in concluding provisions.
1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–314 struck out "crosses a State line with intent to engage in a sexual act with a person who has not attained the age of 12 years, or" after "Whoever" in introductory provisions.
1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–208 inserted "crosses a State line with intent to engage in a sexual act with a person who has not attained the age of 12 years, or" after "Whoever" in introductory provisions.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–647 substituted "15 years" for "five years" in concluding provisions.