When is the Age Gap Too Big

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington

Suppose a 36-year old is dating a 16-year old. Is the age gap big enough for that 36-year old to get imprisoned, and where can I find legal documentation and proof of this? Please note that I am single. It is posted here because I have seen the two in question engage in online sexual content.

I have tried talking to her about this but nothing is getting to her, so maybe the law can (somehow). The situation is complicated but here's the short version of what I'm going through with my best friend. :wallbang:

While yes she is my best friend, I do not want to be seen as an accomplice of this act if it is truly illegal. I am against this relationship; it's immoral, possibly illegal, and unhealthy for both individuals.

What do the 16 year old's parents think about this?

Quote:

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Is the age gap big enough for that 36-year old to get imprisoned

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No. The age of consent in WA is 16. Your bestie can sleep with a 90 year old if he wants, and he can't be charged with statutory rape.

If her PARENTS do not approve of the relationship, THEY can forbid contact and get a restraining order.

The 16-year old's mother likely does not know and I have no way of getting in touch with her. As for his father, I have heard nothing about him. I'm assuming that his parents are abusive.

The 36-year old, my best friend, can't be controlled by her mother anymore as she's twice the age a person is when they become a legal adult. Her father is dead.

Sadly, I'm afraid there's no way to get in contact with either person's parents. I know that my best friend has a strict, religious mother, but sadly her aid is something I cannot obtain.

Because the age of consent is 16, statutory rape is off the table.

However, that does not mean that the 36 year old is home free. There are plenty of things he could be charged with if the parents want to take the initiative. In fact, it doesn't have to be the parents - any concerned individual can make a report to the authorities. Because you are quite right, 16 and 36 is grossly inappropriate even if stat rape is not a factor.

Have you tried talking to a school counselor?

Okay, then. That topic is off the discussion list. Now I just need to figure out why this relationship is supposedly illegal. Everyone says it is, and I'm pretty sure I agree. Of course, the unfortunate factor is that now I don't know what she's guilty of. Let me just ask a quick question, to see if this clarifies anything. Is cyber sex still against the law between that 36-year old and the 16-year old? I know they have done that, and it's quite disgusting.

The only way I see this being illegal is if the adult in question was in a position of authority over the minor (teacher, school coach, etc.,)

It doesn't seem like this is illegal, but this horrible age gap should have a consequence somewhere.

Quick question - why are you assuming that the boy's parents are abusive?

Because according to the boy, his mother treats him horribly, almost like he can't do anything himself. His father he avoids talking about but apparently the boy doesn't like him from what I've heard him say.