Whether an individual may be convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a) for transportation of a minor, without regard to whether the defendant knew of the individual's minority status?

QUESTION PRESENTED The federal transportation of a minor statute provides: “A person who knowingly transports an individual who has not attained the age of 18 years in interstate or foreign commerce, or in any commonwealth, territory or possession of the United States, with intent that the individual engage in prostitution, or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, shall be fined under this title and imprisoned not less than 10 years or for life.” 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a). Mr. Moreira-Bravo was charged under this provision for driving a minor from Iowa to Minnesota to commit a Minnesota statutory rape offense. The sole reason Mr. Moreira-Bravo’s conduct was illegal was the victim’s age. It was undisputed the minor lied about her age to Mr. Moreira-Bravo. The question presented is: Whether an individual may be convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a) for transportation of a minor, without regard to whether the defendant knew of the individual’s minority status? i