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Virginia man sentenced 120 months for sexual enticement of a minor

Alexandria, Va. - Casey Cox, age 24, of Herndon, Va., was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release as a result of a joint investigation, which included U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Cox also will be required to register as a sex offender in any U.S. jurisdiction in which he lives, works or attends school. Cox pled guilty on March 5, 2009, to sexual enticement of a minor.

"ICE will use its investigative authorities in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies to identify and arrest individuals who seek to sexually exploit children," said James Dinkins, special agent in charge of ICE's Office of Investigations in Washington, D.C. "We are committed to protecting our communities by bringing these child predators to justice."

According to court documents and proceedings, on Dec. 2, 2008, Cox responded to an Internet ad by an ICE undercover special agent. Further communication with Cox resulted in his offer to pay $100 for sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl. On Dec. 2, 2008, Cox arrived at the pre-arranged location in Chantilly, Va., and was arrested.

"It's disturbing that individuals seek out young victims for their pleasure," said Dana J. Boente, acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. "The teen in this case was fictitious, but there are too many real victims out there. This sentence should serve as a strong deterrent to others, and, in turn, protect children from these sexual predators."

This investigation was conducted by the Northern Virginia-Washington, D.C. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which is comprised of more than 20 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including ICE.