The National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction

• 8 percent of respondents reported 1 to 2 months between online and physical contact.Interviewees reported that this time span also depends on whether it was an undercoverinvestigation or involved a real child. If it was an undercover investigation, the time span variesdepending on the time and resources the agency has to devote to it but they try to prolong thetime span to build a stronger case and prevent accusations of entrapment.Use of Drugs, Violence, or Weapons in Online EnticementAmong NDIC interviewees:• 64 percent of respondents reported that violence and weapons are rarely used in onlineenticement cases.• 48 percent of respondents reported that alcohol is commonly used in online enticementcases.• 43 percent of respondents reported that marijuana (cannabis) is commonly used in onlineenticement cases.• 29 percent of respondents reported that drugs are rarely used in online enticement cases.International Threat of Online EnticementAmong NDIC interviewees:• 84 percent of respondents reported that most online solicitors reside in the same area orstate as their victim.• 11 percent of respondents reported that online solicitors come from all distances—theyhave encountered local, in-state, out-of-state, and international solicitors.One agency reported that the Orlando, Florida, area is a major recruiting area for national andinternational abusers of children.Average Federal and State Sentences for Online SolicitorsAmong NDIC interviewees:• 44 percent of respondents reported that the average federal sentence for online solicitorsis between 10 and 15 years of incarceration.• 16 percent of respondents reported that the average state sentence for online solicitors is aperiod of probation.Interviewees reported that sentences can vary widely, particularly at the state level. Sentencesdepend on many factors, such as any prior offenses and any other charges running concurrentlywith the solicitation offense (such as molestation, transportation of a minor for sexual purposes,child pornography offenses, etc.).Most Effective Technology used by Law Enforcement in Online Enticement InvestigationsAmong NDIC interviewees:• 90 percent of respondents reported that undercover investigations are the most effectivemethod to target and convict online solicitors.How are Investigations Initiated by ICACs?Among NDIC interviewees:• 63 percent of respondents reported that they frequently initiate online enticement investigations through undercover operations. D-22