The New York Times et al say Matt Gaetz is under investigation for violating "sex trafficking laws" for allegedly inducing someone under age 18 across state lines for sex. But if there was no *prostitution* involved, he's not under investigation for sex trafficking...
And if there was prostitution & a minor involved, state lines are irrelevant.
The closest criminal statutes to what Gaetz is accused of is probably "coercion & enticement" (law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18…) or "transportation of minors" (law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18…)
The closest criminal statutes to what Gaetz is accused of is probably "coercion & enticement" (law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18…) or "transportation of minors" (law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18…)
I know most people will find the distinction irrelevant. But I think it's important that things can be morally wrong and/or against criminal laws surrounding sex without automatically being labeled as sex trafficking...
... And already, people are mocking me for even pointing this out. But calling all bad sexual conduct "sex trafficking" or "human trafficking" is how we get shit like QAnon & FOSTA
Interesting that the Times article page says "Gaetz Is Said to Be Investigated Over Possible Sexual Relationship With Girl, 17" but the SEO title says "Matt Gaetz Under Investigation Over Possible Sex Trafficking" 
P.S. You might notice that federal laws against coercion & enticement, sex trafficking, & criminal transportation are all really broad + cover much of the same conduct. This is so prosecutors can throw a ton of charges at people when they feel like it and force plea bargains
P.P.S. Wow
OK, I went into more detail about the the Gaetz situation & potentially applicable laws here reason.com/2021/03/31/is-…
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