Employing a minor in an obscene performance is considered a serious crime in the state of Connecticut. This crime is governed by Connecticut General Statute § 53a-196a. You can learn more about employing a minor in an obscene performance on this page.

What is Employing a Minor in an Obscene Performance?

Connecticut statute defines this crime as when a person either:

1. Employs a minor for the purpose of promoting any material or performance of that minor engaging in a prohibited sexual act (it does not matter if the minor gets paid or not).
2. Permits a minor to be employed for the purpose of promoting any material or performance of that minor engaging in prohibited sexual acts and is the minor’s guardian or responsible for the minor’s general welfare (it does not matter if the minor gets paid or not).

Let’s define some of the terms listed above.

“Minor” is defined as a person who is less than sixteen years old according to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-193(2) (2019).

“Prohibited sexual acts” are actual or simulated (pretending to) fondling, nude performance, sexual excitement, sado-masochistic abuse, masturbation, or sexual intercourse. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-193(3) (2019).

“Fondling” is defined as the touching of a person’s genitals, buttocks, or female breasts (clothed or unclothed) for sexual arousal. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-193(5) (2019).

“Nude performance” is defined as exposure of a person’s genitals or female breasts either completely exposed or visible to the human eye through clothing on display for an audience. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-193(4) (2019).

“Sexual excitement” is defined as male or female genitals in a state of arousal. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-193(6) (2019).

“Sado-masochistic abuse” is defined as flogging, beating, or torture for sexual enjoyment by a person or persons wearing bizarre costumes or masks, possibly while one person is chained or physically restrained. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-193(7) (2019).

“Masturbation” is defined as real or simulated touching/stimulating of a person’s own genitals/buttocks or female breasts (clothed or unclothed) manually or with an instrument. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-193(8) (2019).

“Sexual intercourse” in the state of Connecticut is defined as the following; vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, and oral sex. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-65(2) (2019). Slight penetration is enough to count as anal or vaginal intercourse. Finally, penetration can be done with an object or a body part. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-193.

“Performance” is defined as a play, motion picture, dance, or other type of exhibition preformed for an audience. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-193(11) (2019).

Connecticut Penalties for Employing a Minor in an Obscene Performance

Employing a Minor in an Obscene Performance is classified as a Class A felony. The penalties for a Class A felony are imprisonment of a minimum of ten years which may not be suspended or reduced and a and maximum of twenty-five years, and a fine not to exceed $25,000 according to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-35a (2019); Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-41 (2019).

If you have been charged with such a crime or have suspicions that you might be charged with employing a minor in an obscene performance or any other crime, you can contact us for more information.