(Omaha, NE) -- An Omaha man is convicted in federal court on child enticement charges.
The U.S. Attorney's Office says that on Thursday, 48 year old James Joiner, of Omaha, was found guilty of Attempted Enticement of a Minor following a two-day jury trial in federal court.
The U.S. Attorney's Office says in March 2020, Joiner responded to an online prostitution advertisement by texting the phone number listed in the ad. They say an undercover law enforcement officer, posing as a 15 year old girl, responded to Joiner’s texts. Prosecutors say Joiner made arrangements to meet the teen at a gas station in Omaha, offering to pay the female and buy her an iTunes gift card.
Prosecutors say when Joiner arrived at the gas station, he was arrested by law enforcement. They say at that time, Joiner admitted to answering the prostitution ad and texting with who he thought was a 15 year old girl. Prosecutors say at trial though, Joiner testified that he intended to try to talk the girl into doing some house cleaning work for him, as an alternative way to make money.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 16th. Joiner faces up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of ten years.