A Tigard man has been sentenced to ten years in prison for his attempted online enticement of a child, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced. Andrew Sterling Hilliker, 47, faced justice on Tuesday following his arrest for attempting to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor.
It was through the messaging service Kik Messenger that Hilliker initiated contact with what he believed was the parent of a nine-year-old but turned out to be an undercover agent. His actions were part of an FBI-led investigation into online child exploitation. Hilliker’s planning culminated in a travel from Oregon to Washington on January 31, 2024, when he planned to meet the child at a hotel in Vancouver. The U.S. Attorney’s Office issued a news release detailing his arrest upon arrival and the condoms discovered in his possession.
Following his arrest, Hilliker stated that he believed he was conversing with a child’s parent and had discussed sexual activities with the juvenile. The defendant entered a guilty plea to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor after being indicted by a grand jury. After serving his 120-month term, Hilliker will be released under supervision for five years.
This case highlights the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force’s critical work, demonstrating their continued dedication to apprehending individuals who target children for exploitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez of the District of Oregon prosecuted this case, according to the news release. The task force works collaboratively with multiple law enforcement agencies to undertake undercover operations and protect possible victims.
Authorities urge anybody with knowledge on child exploitation, whether in person or online, to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or to submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. This sentence stresses the alarming scope of child sexual exploitation crimes, as well as the importance of continued monitoring and law enforcement intervention in such cases.