Kevin Leslie Gipson of Oroville admitted guilt to attempted enticement of a minor for sexual activity, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith stated. Gipson, aged 58, communicated with an undercover officer who he thought was the father of a 10-year-old girl. He expressed his intention to engage in sexual acts with the child and had plans to meet at a hotel room for this purpose. In preparation, Gipson bought various sex items and a stuffed animal, intending to give it to the child, and was subsequently arrested when he approached the undercover officer with the toy.
This investigation was conducted by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Delaney is handling the prosecution.
Gipson is set to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on February 5, 2026. He could face life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. However, the exact penalty will be at the court's discretion based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative begun in May 2006, aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation. The initiative mobilizes resources at various government levels to apprehend and prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information about the project is available at www.usdoj.gov/psc.