5.508 — PANDERING/PIMPING

Violations of "Statute 5.508" results in a Class F Felony

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(a) Definitions

Pandering, also known as pimping, refers to the act of procuring, soliciting, or enticing individuals into engaging in prostitution for the benefit or gain of another person. This includes promoting or arranging for others to engage in sexual acts for compensation, coercing or enticing individuals into prostitution, or knowingly benefiting from another person's involvement in prostitution. Pandering may involve facilitating the act of prostitution through manipulation, control, or exploitation.

(b) Elements

To establish the offense of pandering/pimping, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the following elements:

• The defendant knowingly induced, persuaded, or enticed another person to engage in prostitution.

• The defendant knowingly received or sought to receive compensation, money, or other benefits as a result of the prostitution activities.

• The defendant engaged in actions to procure, manage, or control the person involved in prostitution.

• The defendant had knowledge that the individual involved in prostitution was doing so under their influence, and the defendant benefited from their involvement in the act.

(c) Defenses

Defenses against a charge of pandering/pimping may include:

• The defendant did not knowingly induce, persuade, or entice another individual into prostitution and was unaware of any such activities.

• The defendant did not receive or seek any financial or material benefits from another individual's involvement in prostitution.

• The defendant did not have control over or manage the individual involved in prostitution, and the actions were initiated independently by the person involved.

• The defendant was coerced or manipulated into participating in the activities, and had no intent to engage in or benefit from pandering.

(d) Aggravating Factors

The court may consider the following aggravating factors when determining the severity of the offense:

• The defendant has a history of involvement in pandering or exploiting individuals for prostitution.

• The defendant was responsible for managing or operating a prostitution ring, exploiting multiple individuals for financial gain.

• The defendant coerced or manipulated a vulnerable individual, such as a minor or someone under duress, into engaging in prostitution.

• The offense involved the defendant using force, threats, or deceit to control the individual engaging in prostitution.