United States Fourth Circuit

Conviction for participation in a scheme in which a minor was transported across state lines to act as a prostitute at a truck stop is affirmed over claims that: 1) conviction under 18 U.S.C. section 2423(a) requires the government to prove defendant knew the victim was underage; and 2) remarks made by the prosecuting attorney during closing argument were improper and substantially prejudiced defendant's right to a fair trial.

Appellate Information

• Argued 10/26/2006
• Decided 12/22/2006
• Published 12/22/2006

Judges

• Before WILKINSON, NIEMEYER, and WILLIAMS, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Fourth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellees:
  
• ARGUED:  William Raymond Metzner, Sr., Wheeling, West Virginia, for Appellant.  David J. Perri, Assistant United States Attorney, Office Of The United States Attorney, Wheeling, West Virginia, for Appellee.   ON BRIEF:  Rita R. Valdrini, Acting United States Attorney, Wheeling, West Virginia, for Appellee.