Robert Frenchie McGriff, aged 44, received a 10-year prison sentence for attempting to transport a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller, as announced by United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.

Court documents reveal that between March and June 2019, McGriff engaged in communication on Instagram with an individual he believed to be a minor female. He identified himself as a pimp and sought to recruit her for prostitution work in Arizona. In June 2019, McGriff traveled from Phoenix, Arizona, to Turlock, California, intending to transport the minor back with him for this purpose. His arrest followed shortly after his arrival.

The case was investigated by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Prosecutions Unit alongside Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorneys Whitnee Goins and Shea Kenny led the prosecution.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This program brings together federal, state, and local resources to address these crimes and assist victims. Further information about Project Safe Childhood can be found on the Department of Justice website under the "resources" tab.