Statutory Rape?

Q: I’m 16, my possibly soon-to-be boyfriend is 19. Almost anywhere we research or read up it says, 16 is the age of consent and it is legal if I would commit a sexual act (such as intercourse, oral sex, etc.) with him. He therefore won’t be charged with statutory rape. But, there are other websites and forums that say I can only have a sexual relationship with someone of the age 16 and 17 for it to be legal? Could someone help me out? I wouldn’t want to get him in trouble if we would do anything. (Pittsburgh, PA)

A: Under Pennsylvania law, people ages 16 and older can legally consent to sexual activity. The only crime he could be subject to for having consensual sex with you would be Corruption of Minors, given the fact you are a minor and he is an adult. This would require your parent or guardian going forth to file charges and you being a witness or providing statements to prove the case there was sex. My advice to both of you would be to wait until you are 18.

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