Online Solicitation of a Minor in Minnesota

[sportscribe]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Minnesota

My brother is 19 years old and is extremely nervous. Back in March, he was apparently in a chat room and talked to a girl he believed was 13. The conversation turned explicit, and he sent a nude photo. About two weeks ago, he gets an email from a person who was actually posing as the 13 year old. This person said things like, "the people managed to get a hold of your stats, so I hope you enjoy the rest of your life, pedophile." He also said, "omg this is SO perfect for lulz."

This person had created a MySpace account posing as my brother, using the nude photo on the page. He is claiming to be my brother and tries to sound gay and very very sick on the profile.

First of all, does anyone have any idea of what my brother should do? I mean, he's not sure if this person is serious about turning him in, and that's what is most torturing. The person is clearly harrassing my brother.

He also says he will post the screenshots of the chat and the picture on "Encyclopedia Dramatica." The website seems to be some kind of ridiculous site that is quite explicit and crude.

Also, if anyone has some statutes for Minnesota on this, I'd appreciate any info. And if anyone with strong knowledge can PM if they want, and I can show you the emails this poser has sent my brother. I'd like some opinions, because the emails are pretty odd.

Any help appreciated.

[mmmagique]

Well, your brother could contact the FBI and tell them he is being blackmailed. Of course then he would have to tell them what he was doing.

Your brother should iggy this person and PRAY they go away.

He should also stay away from the computer, and anywhere else he might be tempted to play with children.

[tc498]

There no reason he should be having a explict convo with a 13 year old girl.He lucky the police or fbi wasn't called,he could be looking at being on the sexual offender list plus jail time. He can report the page to myspace. He should strongly consider talking to a lawyer and follwing there advice.He can find out if he looking at any legal issues and what can and can't be used against him,etc.

[Perry Mason]

By admitting he sent the nude photo he is already a felon.

I would destroy the hard drive of the computer even though they can still trace the message back through an IP address but not having the original computer or the photo or the archives of where it was sent from might be a small benefit for him, but might also get him charged with obstruction of justice. Of course I’d rather fight obstruction charges any day over child porn charges, and obstruction charges don’t require having to register the rest of your life.