Robert W. Rice, Attempting to Entice a Minor, Florida 2022

A Tampa, Florida man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor and possession of child sexual abuse images.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle handed down the sentence to 56-year-old Robert W. Rice of Westville, Illinois on [undisclosed date]. As part of his sentence, Rice is also required to register as a sex offender, serve a 10-year term of supervised release, and forfeit his cellphone, which was used in the commission of the offense.

Rice had pleaded guilty on March 7, 2022 to attempted enticement of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse images.

According to court documents, from approximately May 2020 through June 9, 2020, Rice used his cellphone to communicate on an online social media application with an individual whom he thought was a 13-year-old girl. In reality, Rice was communicating with an undercover agent.

Rice sent images and videos depicting children being sexually abused and engaged in sexually explicit conversation with the purported “child” in an attempt to entice the “child” into engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

“The internet makes it easier for these predators to target and attempt to exploit children,” said HSI Tampa Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Silliman. “We will absolutely investigate those who try victimize our most vulnerable.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Defendant: Robert W. Rice

Criminal Charges: Attempted enticement of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse images

City and State: Tampa, Florida

Exact Date: [undisclosed date]

Sentence or Outcome: 10 years in federal prison, 10 years supervised release, and forfeiture of cellphone

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