SNYDER, Texas — A Texas man who tried to lure a child -- who was actually an officer posing as a minor and sending the man age-regressed photos -- has been found guilty on federal enticement charges, authorities announced Wednesday.
Jose Luis Espinoza Jr., 38, of Snyder, was convicted by a jury after a two-day trial this month, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas.
Espinoza was found guilty on a charge of attempted enticement of a minor, which carries a sentence of 10 years to life in prison.
The case stemmed from Snyder, which is about four hours west of Dallas.
Prosecutors said police testified at trial that Espinoza was caught during an undercover online sting operation.
In February, a police officer created a social media profile posing as a 13-year-old girl, officials say. Espinoza reached out to the profile "and immediately began discussing sexual activity and requesting photographs," a news release from prosecutors said.
The officer then sent Espinoza a picture of what appeared to be a 13-year-old girl -- but was actually an age-regressed image of the officer. Espinoza asked the girl how old she was, and she replied, "I am almost 14," the release said.
Prosecutors said Espinoza continued sending "lewd and lascivious messages" to the girl whom the officer was posing as.
At one point, Espinoza said in a message that "guys get locked up for talking to girls like you," according to the release.
Prosecutors said Espinoza told the girl to meet him at a park near her house in Snyder, promising her Skittles and whiskey.
When Espinoza went to the park, officers arrested him. They found Skittles, whiskey, condoms, a towel and a 9mm Glock handgun in his car, the release said.
The Snyder Police Department investigated the case with the help of the FBI in Dallas. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Redd, Callie Woolam and Jeffrey Haag prosecuted the case.
