A South Jordan man is locked up without bail after investigators say he carried on sexually explicit online chats with someone he thought was a 13-year-old. Police arrested 28-year-old Thomas Michael Foster outside his workplace and booked him into the Salt Lake County Jail, according to court documents. Prosecutors have charged Foster with second-degree felony enticement and a separate obstruction of justice count tied to the same investigation.
According to ABC4, investigators say Foster first contacted an account on April 8 that was presented as belonging to a 13-year-old and quickly steered the conversation into sexual territory. The affidavit says he asked about the minor’s sexual history, requested explicit images he called "spicy pictures," and sent several photos of himself, including a shirtless selfie, while encouraging sexual acts. The documents state Foster later admitted he believed he was talking with a decoy or "honey pot." Deputies say he deleted his account on April 9 and was taken into custody on April 14 outside his job.
What the Law Says
Utah law treats online enticement as a major offense. The statute defines enticement as knowingly using a computer or similar device to solicit, seduce, or lure a minor into sexual activity. Depending on the specific conduct and the underlying sexual offense that is involved, the crime can be charged as a felony with different levels of severity. As outlined by Justia, enticement can rise to a second-degree felony when it is connected to certain sexual crimes, with penalties increasing as the conduct becomes more serious.
Obstruction Charge Explained
On top of the enticement count, prosecutors also filed an obstruction of justice charge. Under Utah law, obstruction covers actions that interfere with or hinder a criminal investigation or court proceeding. Depending on how it is committed and the underlying case, the offense can be treated as a third-degree felony. The elements and possible gradings are laid out in Utah Code §76-8-306.
Undercover Stings and the ICAC Task Force
Decoy profiles and undercover chats like the one alleged in this case are a standard part of how Utah’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force operates. The Attorney General’s Office says the task force teams up with local departments and national partners to track online enticement cases and move quickly when a potential victim is identified, according to the Utah Attorney General.
Next Steps
Foster is currently facing one count of enticing a minor and one count of obstruction of justice, with both charges filed in court while he remains in custody. As in every criminal case, the charges are allegations at this stage, and Foster is presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted in court.
