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Last Modified on Jan 07, 2026
There are many ways that law enforcement works to ensure people who engage in internet sex crimes are held accountable for their actions. Investigations can take different approaches, including undercover online sting operations where law enforcement officers pose as minors or individuals interested in solicitation. You may want to know how undercover online sting operations lead to internet sex crime charges in Virginia.
If you find yourself facing sex crime charges, whether they are online or otherwise, you need to reach out to a trusted Virginia sex crime attorney for help in developing your defense strategy. Without an experienced lawyer who understands the state’s sex crime laws as they apply to your case, you could end up facing severe sex crime penalties that include prison time, hefty fines, sex offender registration, and a criminal record that can have a lasting impact on your life.
Virginia Sex Crimes Cases
Being charged with a sex crime can be humiliating, painful, and confusing, especially if you have never been charged with something like this before. Most sex crimes in Virginia are serious felonies and don’t have a statute of limitations. Law enforcement can bring charges against you at any time if they have enough evidence to do so. Sex crimes involving children, even if you use AI, are taken very seriously by the Virginia legal system.
Internet sex crimes are prevalent throughout the country. Recent data from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) showed that in 2025 alone, there were over 518,000 cases of online enticement. NCMEC’s CyberTipline received 20.5 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation in 2024 alone. A 2025 proclamation from the Governor of Virginia stated that there are an estimated 500,000 online predators active daily.
How Undercover Online Sting Operations Lead to Internet Sex Crime Charges in Virginia
Law enforcement officers often go undercover in an attempt to catch online predators before they can hurt somebody, including children. Sting operations are very secure, secretive, and often culminate in the arrest of alleged predators. Here are some of the important steps in the operation process of an undercover sting in Virginia:
- Developing an online presence. The first step in an online sting is creating a false social media presence in chat rooms, dating apps, and other online spots where potential predators congregate. Officers create false identities and pose as children to lure predators, initiate a conversation, and maintain a connection. All the while, they are collecting evidence of intent.
- Through electronic communications, officers are able to gather all sorts of incriminating evidence. Sexually explicit conversations, expressions of intent to engage in sexual acts, and sexually explicit images of minors can all act as evidence of wrongdoing when the time comes to arrest and file charges.
- Next, the officer arranges a meeting with the suspected predator. The officer does this by showing interest in a sexual encounter at a physical meeting place, such as a motel or a parking lot. Once the suspect arrives, they are met by law enforcement and arrested. It is not necessary for any sexual activity to occur, as the messages themselves demonstrate intent.
FAQs
Is It Possible to Be Removed from the Sex Offender Registry in Virginia?
Yes, it is possible to be removed from the sex offender registry in Virginia, but only if you meet certain requirements and the court no longer deems you a threat to society. You have to petition the court 15 years after your last conviction while being able to demonstrate a clean record since that conviction and consistent rehabilitative efforts. Even then, there are no guarantees. A conviction for a violent offense may prevent removal entirely.
Under What Laws Can Someone Be Charged After Interacting With an Undercover Officer Posing as a Minor Online?
When a police officer poses as a minor and successfully arrests a suspect who planned to engage in sexual activity with that minor, the suspect can be charged under Virginia Code § 18.2-374.3, which covers computer crimes. The charges under this statute include the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses involving children, solicitation of a minor for sexual acts, and promoting the use of a minor for indecent liberties.
What Legally Counts as Proof That Online Messages or Chats Constitute a Crime Under Virginia’s Solicitation Laws?
In order for online messages or chats to be considered evidence of a solicitation crime, the prosecution has to be able to prove specific intent behind those messages. They must prove that the messages demonstrate clear lascivious intent towards a minor. This is done by proving the messages’ authenticity, source, relevance, and knowledge of the victim’s age. It is recommended that the alleged perpetrator contact a defense lawyer for help.
What Defenses Are Available if the Alleged Crime Resulted from a Sting Operation Rather Than Contact With an Actual Minor?
If someone is arrested as a result of a sting operation that did not involve actual contact with a minor, there are many potential defense strategies they can use. In some cases, their lawyer may focus on entrapment, which occurs when police induce a crime and lure someone to commit actions they wouldn’t normally be involved with. You may also be able to argue that you didn’t know the alleged person was a minor.
Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer in Virginia
Any time you are facing charges of a sex crime, the most important decision you can make for your case is to hire a sex crime lawyer. It’s possible you may not know what to do to defend yourself in a situation like this, especially if you were the victim of an undercover sting operation. A good lawyer can help you fight the prosecution’s case and work out a solid defense.
At Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC, our firm has been recognized for our contributions to our clients. We can help you understand your options in the event of an arrest from an undercover sting operation. Contact us to speak to someone on our team.
