A 59-year-old Wisconsin man was convicted Friday on three counts relating to sexual predation of a minor.
A jury convicted Todd Stafford, 59, of Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin, of one count of coercion and enticement of a minor and two counts of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
“Mr. Stafford preyed on minors,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Today he was held accountable. Those who exploit children and think they can hide should think twice. Protecting our most vulnerable is, and will continue to be, a top priority for our office.”
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The jury heard evidence that Stafford met the minor victim, who was under sixteen years of age, online. Stafford twice traveled from Wisconsin to Michigan hoping to engage in sex with the minor. Eventually, the minor’s father found conversations and contacted law enforcement.
The minor’s father and Iron Mountain Police Department took over communications with Stafford, posing as the minor and making arrangements to meet Stafford again.
In late July 2023, Stafford again traveled to Michigan and proceeded to a park where he thought he was going to pick up the minor; law enforcement met him and arrested him.
Stafford was indicted for coercion and enticement of a minor and interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Coercion and enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. Stafford faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison.
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“The dangers our children face from online predators are very real and happening too often in our communities,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “My office stands with our partners at the Iron Mountain Police Department in our commitment to vigorously investigate those who commit crimes against children.”
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