No, he isn’t looking at years in federal prison. Why don’t you look up some cases. Maybe go to pervetedjustice.com and read about what some of the worst of the worst chatters got. Little to nothing.
Number#2 or 3 on the list got charges reduced to reckless endangerement of a child and the chat was disgusting. Did no prison time.
Even if he had met her some where, and had no sexual contact he might get a year. If he has previous felonies.
But just for chatting. Probably nothing. Likely he won’t even be charged.
This is a nuclear high profile case and involves a minor. No judge is going to slap Weiner on the wrist should he get convicted. He’s looking at years in Club Fed and being a sex offender for life.