Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What charge could be brought against a man who lures 11-year-old Josh into a car by pretending to be Santa Claus?

1. Child stealing

2. Aggravated Kidnapping

3. Endangerment

4. Unlawful restraint

The correct answer is: Aggravated Kidnapping

The charge of aggravated kidnapping is applicable in this scenario due to the significant factors involved in the act of luring an 11-year-old child into a car under false pretenses, such as impersonation as Santa Claus. This behavior demonstrates a clear intent to unlawfully take or confine a minor, which elevates the seriousness of the crime, especially considering the young age of the victim. Aggravated kidnapping typically implies that the perpetrator has committed the act with malicious intent or under circumstances that increase the threat to the victim, such as using deception to gain the child's trust. This scenario highlights the exploitation of a child's innocence and the potential danger posed to them, making it an aggravated circumstance. Other charges, such as child stealing or unlawful restraint, may involve elements of confinement or taking away a child, but they do not encompass the full scope of manipulation and deceit present in this situation, nor do they capture the elevated risk associated with the vulnerable age of the victim. Endangerment may relate to putting a child in jeopardy, but it lacks the same level of severity or intent reflected in an aggravated kidnapping charge.