A Tigard man has received a ten-year federal prison sentence for his attempted online enticement of a child, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced. Andrew Sterling Hilliker, 47, faced justice on Tuesday after his arrest for an attempt to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
It was through the messaging service Kik Messenger that Hilliker initiated contact with what he believed was the parent of a nine-year-old, but turned out to be an undercover agent. His actions were part of a larger inquiry into online child exploitation spearheaded by the FBI. Hilliker’s plans culminated in a trip from Oregon to Washington, where he intended to meet the child at a hotel in Vancouver on January 31, 2024. The details, including his arrest upon arrival and the condoms found in his possession, were provided in a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Following his capture, Hilliker admitted his belief that he was communicating with the parent of a child and that he had discussed engaging in sexual activity with the minor. A subsequent grand jury indictment led to a guilty plea for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Hilliker will also undergo five years of supervised release upon completing his 120-month sentence.
The crucial work of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force has been highlighted through this case, showcasing their ongoing commitment to apprehending individuals targeting children for exploitation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez, of the District of Oregon, as clarified in the aforementioned press release. The task force collaborates closely with various law enforcement agencies to conduct undercover operations and safeguard potential victims.
Authorities urge anyone with information on child exploitation, whether occurring in the physical world or online, to reach out to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or to submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. This sentencing emphasizes the concerning breadth of child sexual exploitation crimes and the essential nature of ongoing vigilance and law enforcement intervention in such matters.
