(a) It is unlawful for any person, for purposes of prostitution, to: (1) Persuade, entice, or forcibly abduct a child under 18 years of age from his or her home or usual abode, or from the custody and control of the child's parents or guardian; or(2) Secrete or harbor any child so persuaded, enticed, or abducted from his or her home or usual abode, or from the custody and control of the child's parents or guardian.(b) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or by a fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or both.Mar. 3, 1901, 31 Stat. 1322, ch. 854, § 813; May 21, 1994, D.C. Law 10-119, § 2(q), 41 DCR 1639; Apr. 24, 2007, D.C. Law 16-306, § 213, 53 DCR 8610; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 201(g), 60 DCR 2064.Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
Armed offenses, additional penalty for committing crime when armed, see §§ 22-4501 and 22-4502. Child witness testimony, exception from corroboration requirement, see § 23-114. Criminal offense against a victim who is a minor defined, violations of this section see § 24-4101. .