James Hjelmeland, a 30-year-old Canadian citizen, was sentenced on Mar. 24 to 17 years and six months in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, as well as distributing, transporting, and possessing child sexual abuse material. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza after Hjelmeland pleaded guilty on November 25, 2025. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address crimes involving the exploitation of children online and across borders.
According to court documents, an undercover detective with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office posed as the guardian of a fictional 12-year-old child on December 29, 2024. Hjelmeland engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the detective and arranged travel from Canada to Orlando with the intent of having sex with the purported child. During these communications, he distributed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to the undercover officer. Upon his arrest in Orlando, authorities found additional CSAM involving children under age twelve on his cellphone.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe said: “The cooperation demonstrated by local, federal, and international agencies in this case affirms a commitment by our law enforcement partners to protect children from exploitation and harm... Because of their diligence and shared expertise, another child predator has been brought to justice.”
Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker added: “Protecting our children is a fundamental responsibility of law enforcement. By taking these sexual predators off the streets, we are safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society... HSI is fully committed to working with our law enforcement partners to seek out those who would exploit children, bring them to justice, and ensure the continued safety of our children.”
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations; Orange County Sheriff’s Office; United States Customs and Border Protection; and Southern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation Team. Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordinated federal, state, and local efforts.
