Alberta man sentenced to 17 years in U.S. prison in Florida child exploitation sting

A Red Deer, Alta., man has been sentenced to 17 years in a United States federal prison after pleading guilty in a child exploitation sting tied to a planned trip to Walt Disney World in Florida.

According to U.S. court documents, James Hjelmeland, 31, pleaded guilty in November to attempted enticement of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse material. The case stems from an undercover operation involving a Florida law enforcement officer.

Court records state Hjelmeland began communicating online with a detective who was posing as the parent of a 12-year-old girl. The officer, acting in an undercover capacity, indicated online that he was seeking someone to take the child to the resort.

Authorities allege the communication formed part of a broader sting operation targeting individuals attempting to arrange sexual contact with minors. The charges were laid following the investigation in the United States. Further details about the sentencing hearing were not immediately available.

The case highlights cross-border enforcement efforts involving online child exploitation investigations, which can involve Canadian residents facing prosecution in foreign jurisdictions.