On Wednesday, federal prosecutors accused Anthony Weiner of convincing an underage girl to fondle herself and strip over the Internet while he watched.
Court documents obtained by the New York Post alleged that the embattled ex-politician partook in three illicit Skype sessions where the victim “made clear that she was not just a minor—she was, in fact, only 15 years old.” Federal prosecutors wrote that her admission “didn’t stop” Weiner.
“The defendant used graphic and obscene language to ask the minor victim to display her naked body and touch herself, which she did,” they wrote.
Weiner, 53, reportedly also used an app called Confide to describe “what he would do to her, if she were 18.” Prosecutors claimed he also sent the teen girl adult pornography.
The former congressman pleaded guilty in May to transferring obscene material to a minor. In a recent filing, Manhattan federal prosecutors rejected a request from defense lawyers that Weiner get probation and are pushing for a two-year prison sentence.
Though prosecutors are seeking 21 to 27 months, the New York Daily News reports that Weiner faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
“Weiner’s criminal conduct was very serious, and the sentence imposed should reflect that seriousness,” they wrote.
READ More: Anthony Weiner turns himself in, will plead guilty to sexting a 15-year-old girl
The government rejected claims that the victim’s age didn’t play a factor in Weiner’s illegal behavior, noting that he’s expressed interest in teen-themed pornography.
Prosecutors also pointed out that Weiner, while in Congress, co-sponsored the “Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators” bill. The 2007 legislation called for sex offenders to register their email addresses and instant messenger handles with the National Sex Offender Registry.
“The Internet is the predator’s venue of choice today,” Weiner reportedly said at the time.
United States Attorney Joon H. Kim wrote in a memo to Judge Denise L. Cote that Weiner’s “self-destructive path from United States congressman to felon is indisputably sad, [but] his crime is serious and his demonstrated need for deterrence is real.”
Weiner’s sentencing is scheduled for Monday.
[Featured Image: AP Photo/Richard Drew]
