Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
Justin William Gifford, a 26-year-old resident of Enterprise, Alabama, was found guilty by a federal jury in Tallahassee on April 16 of attempted enticement of a minor, attempted transfer of obscene material to minors, and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address child sexual exploitation and protect minors from online predators. Gifford's conviction follows a multi-agency operation conducted in June 2025 during which he engaged in explicit communications with an undercover investigator posing as a minor.
According to court records presented during the two-day trial, Gifford responded to an online advertisement on an escort website and initiated sexually explicit conversations over text and phone with someone he believed was a 15-year-old child. He sent obscene images and arranged to meet the minor in Panama City Beach for sexual activity. Law enforcement tracked his movements from Alabama to Florida where he was arrested at the agreed location. Forensic analysis confirmed that communications and images originated from his device.
Heekin said, “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners, and the excellent trial presentation by my Assistant U.S. Attorneys, this sexual predator will be held accountable for his attempts to sexually exploit a child. Keeping our kids safe is one of my highest priorities, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to stop deviants like this defendant from sexually victimizing children and exploiting them online.”
Gifford faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment up to life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled before United States District Judge Mark A. Walker on June 25 at 2:00 p.m., according to officials.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations along with local agencies including Panama City Beach Police Department, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice that brings together federal, state, and local resources against internet-based child exploitation crimes.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida advances community safety across northern Florida through upholding laws and protecting civil rights according to its official website. The office operates out of courthouses in Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Gainesville according to its official website covering 23 counties including Tallahassee as well as parts of the Panhandle according to its official website. It collaborates with various law enforcement agencies through initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood according to its official website.
Broader implications include ongoing collaboration between multiple agencies aimed at preventing similar crimes within northern Florida communities.
