LAREDO, Texas - A 47-year-old man has been convicted after posting an online advertisement seeking sexual contact with a young girl, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez along with Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The federal jury deliberated for less than two hours following a two-day trial before convicting Edwin Oland Andrus, of Cleburne.
During trial, the jury heard that Andrus posted an online advertisement on Craigslist seeking a “naughty little young girl." An HSI special agent responded to the ad. Soon after, Andrus engaged in email and text communications with the undercover agent, believing the agent was a woman with a 14-year-old daughter. During those conversations, Andrus graphically and explicitly described sexual acts he wanted to perform on the woman and the young girl.
The jury also heard that Andrus offered to drive to Laredo on several occasions. Exactly one week after the agent initially responded to the ad, Andrus drove almost 400 miles from Cleburne to Laredo with the intention to engage in sexual contact with the minor female. He was arrested upon arrival on Jan. 13, 2017, at which time authorities discovered Andrus had brought with him condoms, personal lubricant and a “morning-after" pill.
Andrus had previously admitted he intended to have sex with the 14-year-old. At trial, however, he changed his story and said he did not plan to engage in sexual activity. The jury was not convinced and found him guilty as charged.
Sentencing will be set at a later date. At that time, Andrus faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Andrus has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
HSI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alfredo De La Rosa and Giselle S. Guerra are prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
