Pittsburgh man caught trying to solicit sex from a minor pleads guilty in federal court
A Pittsburgh man caught trying to solicit sex from someone he thought was a minor pleaded guilty in federal court.
Joseph Hamilton, 38, could be sentenced to life in prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, authorities announced Monday.
He pleaded guilty to the charge before U.S. District Judge Cathy Bisson, who scheduled sentencing for April 7, 2020.
Authorities said Hamilton used the internet over a cellular phone network to communicate with an undercover agent posing as a minor from March 11 through April 18. He attempted to persuade the purported minor to engage in sexual activity with him.
Hamilton sent messages detailing the sexual activity he wanted to engage in, and told the alleged minor to delete them so the kid’s mother would not find them.
Authorities said Hamilton planned to meet the minor at an undisclosed location and bring the child back to his home on April 18.
He was arrested when he arrived at meeting spot. The FBI conducted the investigation that led to Hamilton’s prosecution.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.
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