A recent case (that ultimately hasn't gone anywhere) is that US Congressman Matt Gaetz was "alleged" to have had "relations" with a 17 year old minor, in a way that's essentially one of those pay-for-a-date/sugar daddy type scenarios (this was via Seeking Arrangemet). But, it happened because the minor directly lied about her age and told Gaetz she was 18. By all accounts Gaetz was horrified when he learned later on.
It's murky but one of the few absolutes is that Gaetz can be charged with sex trafficking of a minor even though she lied about her age, and even though he wouldn't have done anything if she hadn't lied.
I'm no expert but I've looked into it a bit.
A recent case (that ultimately hasn't gone anywhere) is that US Congressman Matt Gaetz was "alleged" to have had "relations" with a 17 year old minor, in a way that's essentially one of those pay-for-a-date/sugar daddy type scenarios (this was via Seeking Arrangemet). But, it happened because the minor directly lied about her age and told Gaetz she was 18. By all accounts Gaetz was horrified when he learned later on.
It's murky but one of the few absolutes is that Gaetz can be charged with sex trafficking of a minor even though she lied about her age, and even though he wouldn't have done anything if she hadn't lied.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/justice-departments-sex-trafficking-investigation-rep-matt-gaetz-seems-rcna49229