Opinion ID: 3033503
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Least Culpable Conduct

Text: Mehboob was convicted of indecent assault under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3126(a), which contains eight sub-sections. Section 3126(a) is therefore divisible, so we look at the record of conviction. The record of conviction in this case does not specify the sub-section under which Mehboob was convicted. Therefore, we look at the sub-section that requires the least culpability, sub-section (a)(8), to determine whether it is a crime involving moral turpitude. Sub-section (a)(8) is violated when there is “indecent contact with the complainant” when “the complainant is less than 16 years of age and the person is four or more years older than the complainant and the complainant and the person are not married to each other.” The term “indecent contact” is defined as “[a]ny touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of the person for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual 8 desire, in either person.” 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3101. Thus, the elements of this offense consist of: (1) purposeful contact; (2) the complainant’s age; and (3) the age difference between the defendant and the complainant. There is no mens rea element as to the age of the victim; nor has any mental state ever been implied by the Pennsylvania courts. As such, sub-section (a)(8) defines a strict liability offense. The least culpable conduct that would sustain a conviction under § 3126(a)(8) would be consensual contact for the purpose of sexual gratification between a 19 year old and a 15 year old. Thus, indecent assault under Pennsylvania law can be a crime involving moral turpitude if such contact between a 19 year old and a 15 year old can be considered inherently base, vile, or depraved or is contrary to the accepted rules of morality. In other words, if it is found to combine “a reprehensible act with an appreciable level of consciousness or deliberation.” Partyka, 417 F.3d at 414.