A Missouri man pleaded guilty on Aug. 5 to crossing state lines with the intent to have sex with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl, according to court documents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas.
James D. Fishbaugh, 53, of Blue Springs, Missouri, admitted guilt to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. In August 2025, Fishbaugh used a social media account to communicate with an undercover Federal Bureau of Investigation agent who was posing as a minor. During their conversation online, the agent claimed to be 14 years old and Fishbaugh responded that he was 49.
The conversation became sexual in nature after Fishbaugh told the agent he “would love to meet you sometime.” On August 22, 2025, Fishbaugh drove from his residence in Missouri to a designated meeting place in Kansas and stopped for condoms along the way. He was arrested by agents upon arrival. According to court records, Fishbaugh told officers that he believed the undercover agent was a real 14-year-old girl and that he traveled there intending to have sex with her.
Fishbaugh is scheduled for sentencing on November 3, where a federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering federal guidelines and statutory factors. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick is prosecuting it.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse by marshaling federal, state and local resources.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas advances justice through law enforcement efforts across areas including Kansas City and supports community wellness initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods while providing services like victim support and civil rights enforcement, according to its official website.