A Tigard man has received a ten-year federal prison sentence for his attempted online enticement of a child, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced. Andrew Sterling Hilliker, 47, faced justice on Tuesday after his arrest for an attempt to engage in illicit sexual conduct 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 a larger inquiry into online child exploitation spearheaded by the FBI. Hilliker’s plans culminated in a trip from Oregon to Washington, where he intended to meet the child at a hotel in Vancouver on January 31, 2024. The details, including his arrest upon arrival and the condoms found in his possession, were provided in a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Following his capture, Hilliker admitted his belief that he was communicating with the parent of a child and that he had discussed engaging in sexual activity with the minor. A subsequent grand jury indictment led to a guilty plea for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Hilliker will also undergo five years of supervised release upon completing his 120-month sentence…