A Missouri man has entered a guilty plea after being charged for attempting to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Eric Charles Fuller, 54, from Springfield, Missouri, admitted to the offense yesterday, in a New Orleans federal court. This development comes as part of an undercover operation that exposed his intentions to have sexual contact with a twelve-year-old girl.

As outlined by court documents obtained by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Fuller engaged in conversations with who he believed was the mother of a twelve-year-old daughter on an online social platform. Throughout these discussions, he expressed a desire to perform "highly taboo," "highly illegal," and "risky" sexual acts with the mother and her daughter, describing such actions as "not the worst way to be" and "a way to have a happier life."

Fuller traveled from Missouri to Mandeville, Louisiana, on January 11, 2024, believing he was going to meet the child. Upon his arrival the following day, authorities apprehended him as part of a sting operation. He now faces a sentence that could amount to thirty years in prison. In addition, he may receive five years to a lifetime of supervised release, face up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Furthermore, Fuller will likely have to register as a sex offender. His sentencing is scheduled for May 13.

This case is a part of Project Safe Childhood, a DOJ initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse since 2006. The U.S. Attorney, Duane A. Evans has lauded the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their role in investigating this matter, with Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit leading the prosecution.