South Texas man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for enticing a minor
MCALLEN, Texas — A South Texas man was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in federal prison following his conviction for attempting to entice a minor.
This sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas. This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Timinson Erin Jackson, 25, appeared before U.S. District Judge Randy Crane Dec. 13 and was ordered to serve 120 months in prison. In addition, after he completes his prison sentence, Jackson must also serve five years of supervised release during which time he must comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He must also register as a sex offender. Jackson pleaded guilty to the charges Sept. 30.
“The 10-year sentence imposed on Jackson sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who sexually exploit children,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, HSI San Antonio. “Targeting crimes of this nature is a high priority for HSI. HSI has dedicated significant resources nationwide to identify these predators, and bring them to justice.”
According to court documents, from May 25 to June 3, 2016, Jackson engaged in online communications with a person he thought was a 12-year-old girl. In actuality, that individual was an undercover HSI special agent. During Jackson’s conversations with this “girl,” which were mostly carried out via text messaging, Jackson attempted to persuade, induce and entice this girl into having sex with him.
On June 3, Jackson arranged to meet the girl at a park in McAllen. He was arrested upon his arrival. At that time, Jackson admitted he intended to have sex with an individual whom he believed was a 12-year old girl.
Jackson remains in federal custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Benavides, for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted this case.
This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 14,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2015, nearly 2,400 individuals were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative and more than 1,000 victims identified or rescued.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.
For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page.
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