Attempt to persuade minor to engage in sex acts via computer is crime of violence

STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION United States v. Munro, No. 04-4051, ___ F.3d ___ (10th Cir. Jan. 5, 2005)(Utah). Appeal of conviction for carrying firearm during commission of crime violence in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). HELD: Use of computer to attempt to persuade minor to engage in illegal sexual acts in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b) is crime of violence. Therefore, defendant who carried firearm while attempting to meet with minor with whom he arranged sexual encounter via Internet chat room was properly convicted of carrying firearm during commission of crime violence in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). Read the opinion here.