Special agents with Homeland Security Investigations participated in an undercover sting operation with multiple local, state, and federal agencies. Investigators from the Office of the Attorney General posed as two underage women in an online chatroom posted to Facebook Marketplace as “Massage and Fun,” according to official court documents.
The investigation into Campbell began when he messaged inquiring about pricing. The account operator replied, “$200, fs” (meaning full sex). Campbell agreed to pay in person only.
He then sent a picture of himself and his age. The investigator then told Campbell that they were a 15-year-old girl. Campbell replied that he “could get in trouble,” but he continued asking about the service.
After receiving that information, the investigator also told him that her “16-year-old friend [was] available” and that he could have sexual intercourse with both of them for $500.
Campbell then asked for a phone number and address and drove 30 minutes to the location to meet the two individuals he believed were underage girls.
Twenty-nine minutes later, agents witnessed a white pickup truck registered to Campbell arrive at the address they had provided. After confirming his identity using the photograph he had provided, agents moved to detain Campbell. He was found in possession of two condoms and $652 in cash.
Two cellphones were located in the cabin of his vehicle, with one opened to a contact matching the number of the undercover agent named “15.”
Campbell exercised his constitutional right to a jury trial. However, the overwhelming evidence against him led jurors to convict him within 30 minutes of deliberations, according to U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould.
“The unfortunate and sad reality is that predators lurk in every facet of life, including those in positions of trust, like this defendant,” stated Raybould. “Under my watch, we will prioritize rooting out predators no matter where they lurk.”
The former city manager will be sentenced on September 17. He faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
“Protecting children from sexual predators is a top priority for Homeland Security Investigations,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard after the sentencing. “This conviction demonstrates HSI’s commitment, and that of our law enforcement partners, to aggressively pursue those who seek to exploit minors and ensure they are held accountable.”
