A Butte County man has been indicted on federal child enticement charges. The man, 58-year-old Kevin Leslie Gipson from Oroville, is facing charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, reportedly for sexual activity purposes, according to an announcement made by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
As per the official court documents, Gipson is accused of an attempt to persuade, and entice a minor under the age of 14 to engage in oral copulation and to commit lewd, and lascivious acts. These charges could land Gipson with a life sentence and a fine up to $250,000 if he is convicted. However, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office notes, "The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
The case has come together through the concerted efforts of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force alongside the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Delaney is handling the prosecution.
Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative started back in 2006, includes this case under its umbrella. Aimed specifically at tackling the increasing threat of child sexual exploitation, the project pursues the goals of apprehending perpetrators and offering assistance to victims, as mentioned by the U.S. Attorney's Office. For those interested in the initiative or in need of internet-safety resources Project Safe Childhood’s website presents a trove of helpful information.
