An Anson, Texas man has been charged with attempted enticement of a minor after allegedly arranging to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl. The charge was announced by United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Ervin Joe Campbell, 63, was arrested on February 26, 2026, following a federal criminal complaint. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John R. Parker for his initial court appearance.
“The collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners took another alleged would-be predator from our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This case highlights the importance of devoting resources to unearth sex trafficking in the Northern District of Texas. We will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute these cases.”
According to court documents, Campbell is accused of attempting to persuade or coerce an individual he thought was fifteen years old into prostitution and sexual activity that constitutes a criminal offense. On February 25, 2026, several agencies—including the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations, the Abilene Police Department, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office—conducted an undercover operation in Abilene targeting child predators and solicitation of prostitution.
Investigators used undercover accounts posing as minors aged fifteen and sixteen on Facebook Marketplace under the listing “Massage and Fun.” Campbell allegedly contacted one account and agreed to pay $200 for sex with what he believed was a 15-year-old girl.
The complaint states that Campbell sent a photo identifying himself as sixty years old. After being told he was communicating with someone who claimed to be fifteen, Campbell replied: “I could get in trouble,” followed later by “I’m not a cop, are you?” The investigator also informed him about a supposed sixteen-year-old friend available for $500 for intercourse with both girls.
When Campbell arrived at the meeting place arranged during their communications, officers found him carrying two condoms and $652 in cash. His cellphone had saved the undercover number as “15.”
If convicted on this charge, Campbell faces between ten years and life in federal prison. He remains in custody pending detention and preliminary hearings scheduled for March 3, 2026.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations Abilene Division, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division in Abilene, the Abilene Police Department, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney James is prosecuting the case.
Authorities emphasize that a criminal complaint is only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
