C.G.S. § 53a-90b – Misrepresentation of Age to Entice a Minor

Understanding the Charge in Connecticut

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-90b, it is a felony to lie about your age—typically online or by electronic communication—with the intent to entice, recruit, solicit, or lure a person under sixteen to engage in sexual activity or indecent contact.
This statute often appears alongside § 53a-90a (Enticing a Minor) in internet-sting cases.

Elements of the Crime

To prove a violation of § 53a-90b, the State must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant:

1. Used an electronic or interactive device (e.g., computer, smartphone, text, app, social media, or similar service);
2. Knowingly misrepresented their age to the other person;
3. Did so with the intent to entice, recruit, solicit, or lure the other person to engage in sexual activity or indecent contact; and
4. Believed the other person was under sixteen, or the person actually was under sixteen.

It is not a defense that the “minor” was an undercover officer posing as a child.

Penalties

• Class C felony
• Prison: up to 10 years (with potential mandatory portions depending on the case facts and companion counts)
• Fine: up to $10,000
• Probation: possible, often with strict conditions (no-contact orders, counseling, device/search conditions)

Collateral exposure: A conviction can trigger sex-offender registration and long-term restrictions on internet and device use, along with serious employment, licensing, and housing consequences.

Possible Defenses

• No intent to entice. Chats lack a sexual aim or plan; no steps taken to meet.
• Mistaken age / no knowledge. The defendant reasonably believed the person was 16+ and did not misstate age to gain access.
• Entrapment. Law enforcement induced conduct that would not otherwise have occurred.
• Unlawful search/seizure. Digital evidence seized or searched without a valid warrant or beyond warrant scope.
• Insufficient proof. Incomplete logs, altered screenshots, or missing forensic foundations.

A strong defense typically includes forensic review of devices, subpoenas to service providers, and careful analysis of timeline and intent in the communications.

Collateral Consequences

• Possible sex-offender registration and monitoring
• Internet/device restrictions, surprise compliance checks
• Professional and employment fallout; potential immigration consequences
• No-contact orders and long-term supervision conditions

Related Statutes

• C.G.S. § 53a-90a – Enticing a Minor
• C.G.S. § 53-21 – Risk of Injury to a Minor
• C.G.S. § 53a-71 / § 53a-72a / § 53a-72b – Sexual Assault (2nd/3rd; with a firearm)
• C.G.S. §§ 53a-196a–196h – Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) offenses
• C.G.S. § 53a-182b – Harassment in the First Degree (electronic)

Call a Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been arrested for Misrepresentation of Age to Entice a Minor (C.G.S. § 53a-90b), speak to a sex crimes lawyer before speaking to investigators or consenting to any device search.

Call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, at (203) 357-5555 for a confidential consultation and a defense strategy tailored to your case.

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