Douglas Alan Butler, Traveling For Illicit Sex, Texas 2013

Defendant Faces Up to 30 Years in Prison

LAREDO, Texas – In a shocking case of online deception, Douglas Alan Butler, 54, a U.S. citizen from Michigan, has been convicted of traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct.

According to court records, Butler started communicating with an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old female by way of a local chat room on March 28, 2013. The communication lasted for approximately a month until Butler’s arrest on April 23, 2013.

During the communication, Butler engaged in conversations that were sexually illicit in nature, indicating that he "could teach her so many things." He also advised that he had plans of traveling to Laredo and expressed a desire to meet the "minor female."

Butler made arrangements to meet the deputy at a local city park and promised to bring a "sex toy" during that encounter. He was arrested upon arrival at the park, at which time a pink vibrator was discovered in his car. A subsequent search of his hotel also resulted in the discovery of 13 condoms and 18 Viagra pills.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant United States Attorney Suntrease Williams handling the prosecution.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will preside over Butler’s sentencing, which is scheduled for a later date. Butler faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine for his crimes.

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