Legal Question in Technology Law in California

Re: Internet Relationship

First, I think your question may have been asked in the wrong category......it seems to pertain to criminal law, or possibly family law, more than Computer and Technology Law.......but I understand where your confusion comes from, and I'll give you a basic answer. If you re-asked under a more appropriate category, you might get a better answer.

First, it's not clear from your question what you did with the "Rewards" ticket. You say you "took" it. If you stole it, that's theft. If the value of the ticket exceeded $400, it's grand theft. If the man talked you into stealing the ticket, he could be criminally liable under an accomplice theory of some kind, but it would have to be proven that you and he conspired to steal the ticket. If he talked you into stealing it, that's not good for him. If he knew nothing about it, of course he's not guilty of anything.

Next, it's a violation of Federal criminal law (the Mann Act) to transport someone across state lines for an immoral purpose. However, the 20-year-old transported himself. You merely furnishing a ticket could by a stretch of the imagination be considered 'transporting,' but there was, according to you, no 'immoral purpose.' Also, the likelihood of a prosecution of a 17 year old woman under the Mann Act is extremely remote. Finally, since you were not 'transported' at all, you are not a victim and he did not violate the Act.

As far as I know there is no law on the books prohibiting 17 and 20 year old persons from forming friendships on line and visiting each other afterward. I could be wrong but I think that would be unconstitutional.