My 22 year old son met a girl at Starbucks a month a go - they engaged in conversation and decided to meet again. They've had numerous dates and she has been alone with him in his room. This girl told him she was 18 years old. They started seeing each other and now he's discovered that she is only 16. He is frightened because, altho they have not had sexual intercourse, they have engaged in heavy petting.

Her mother is aware of the relationship and has even had my son over for dinner a couple of times. They had a 'girlfriend/boyfriend' relationship and all was well until my son realized how old she was and told her he couldn't see her anymore. She is now very upset (as of this evening) and threatening to call the police. Does she have any grounds for anything? My mother, who is in law enforcement, suggested that he go to the DA's office tomorrow and tell them what is happening, of her misrepresentation of her age, to get it on the record. Is this the right thing to do?

My son has never been accused of any sex crime and he is extremely worried that this high school girl will ruin his life. Please offer any help you can at this time!

Thank you!

A concerned Mother..

In Oregon, any sexual contact, such as heavy petting, by an adult to a minor is considered sexual abuse. At the ages that they are at, this would be a Class A misdemeanor, with a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail. However, Oregon does allow a defense to this crime if your son can prove that he reasonably believed her to be 18. Your mother's suggestion is probably a good course of action, given the circumstances.