People v. Littlefield CA3

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

In 2012, defendant, age 37, placed a classified ad on Craigslist stating, “Young teacher seeking younger student.” In November 2012, law enforcement investigator Eric Clay responded under the invented name and persona of Trinity Jones, a high school student who lived with her mother. They e-mailed back and forth. Clay sent a photograph of “Trinity.” Defendant discussed the book “Fifty Shades of Grey,” about a young woman who interviews an older man who then gives her a sexual education. Defendant asked if “Trinity” was over 18, adding, “If not it’s ok, just limits a little bit what we can do in the course of your education. Are you ready for an interview?” “Trinity” said she was “almost 16” and asked about the education and what he meant by “limits.” Defendant replied, “Limitations have to do with what we can do with each other in the eyes of the law. Of course I don’t expect any problems in that arena, but it’s something to be aware of. Because, you see, I am proposing a highly sexual education for you, and there might be a time when you want more than would be allowed . . . simply because you are . . . under 18, and I am over 21. A little research will…