Wisconsin man convicted of sexually abusing a minor

MARQUETTE, Michigan – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced today that Todd Stafford, 60, of Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 156 months in prison, followed by five years of probation, after being found guilty of coercion and enticement of a minor and two counts of traveling in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

“Mr. Stafford exploited minors and was held accountable for his predatory actions today,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “This should send a clear message to those who seek to exploit our children and think they can hide. Protecting our most vulnerable is and will remain our office’s top priority.”

Stafford was convicted in a jury trial. The jury heard evidence that Stafford met the minor victim, who was under 16, online. Stafford traveled from Wisconsin to Michigan twice in hopes of having sex with the minor. Eventually, the minor’s father found conversations and contacted police. The minor’s father and Iron Mountain police took over communications with Stafford, posing as the minor, and arranged to meet Stafford again. In late July 2023, Stafford traveled to Michigan again, where police met and arrested him.

“Today’s sentencing of Mr. Stafford is a direct result of the hard work of the men and women of the Marquette-based agent of the FBI Detroit Field Office, the Iron Mountain Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Criminal acts and/or attempts thereof, particularly when minors are involved, will not be tolerated, and the FBI will investigate and arrest anyone who engages in such illegal acts.”

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District Attorneys’ Offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), and federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies work closely together to find, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. Project Safe Childhood partners work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit the following website: www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Iron Mountain Police Department.