Attorney General Kris Mayes has secured a conviction against a Phoenix man for sex trafficking and the luring of a minor, Arizona's top legal office confirmed this week. William Schlicher was found guilty on January 9 by a Maricopa County jury, wrapping up a case that highlights the state's commitment to combat child exploitation.
According to the Attorney General's Office, Attorney General Mayes stated, "As the top law enforcement officer in Arizona, I will continue to bring sexual predators to justice. I take seriously my duty to protect Arizona children and their families from sexual exploitation and sex trafficking."
Detailed in the press release from the Attorney General's Office, Schlicher had initially responded to an online ad for sex with a minor in 2021. Engaging in conversations he believed were with the stepfather of a thirteen-year-old girl, Schlicher did not realize he was actually interacting with an undercover Phoenix Police Department officer. This sting was part of ongoing efforts to apprehend individuals seeking to exploit children.
"My office remains vigilant as we work to prevent, investigate, and prosecute child predators," Mayes said, reinforcing the vigilant efforts undertaken by law enforcement to protect the community's vulnerable youth, as per the Attorney General's Office. Handled by the Arizona Attorney General’s Fraud and Special Prosecutions Unit, the case against Schlicher was built on the foundations of his communications and explicit intent as evidenced by sent sexually explicit content and agreed payment methods for illegal activities.
Assistant Attorneys General Amy Diederich and Carolina Lopez led the prosecution, which resulted from an investigation by the Phoenix Police Department.
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