Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced the conviction of William Schlicher by a Maricopa County jury on January 9, 2025. Schlicher was found guilty of aggravated luring a minor for sexual exploitation and child sex trafficking.
"As the top law enforcement officer in Arizona, I will continue to bring sexual predators to justice. I take seriously my duty to protect Arizona children and their families from sexual exploitation and sex trafficking," stated Attorney General Mayes. "My office remains vigilant as we work to prevent, investigate, and prosecute child predators."
The case dates back to 2021 when Schlicher responded to an online advertisement seeking sex with a minor. He engaged in communications with someone he believed was the stepfather of a thirteen-year-old girl. The individual was actually an undercover officer from the Phoenix Police Department, and no real child was involved. During these interactions, Schlicher participated in sexually explicit conversations, sent explicit photos, and agreed to use gift cards as payment for sex with the fictitious minor.
The investigation was carried out by the Phoenix Police Department. Assistant Attorneys General Amy Diederich and Carolina Lopez led the prosecution under the Arizona Attorney General’s Fraud and Special Prosecutions Unit within the Criminal Division. The case number is CR2022-002622-001.