HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Through the efforts made via Operation Keiki Shield, a 35-year-old man was found guilty Friday by a jury for the commercial sexual exploitation of a minor.
Jefferson Manuales Ibalio was arrested as part of a Jan. 20, 2023 operation for soliciting sex in exchange for money from a 16-year-old girl online.
The 16-year-old Ibalio thought he was speaking to was actually an undercover law enforcement officer posing online as the minor.
“Those who prey on children are among the greatest public-safety threats we face in Hawaiʻi,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez. “The ICAC Task Force and my Department’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division have ensured that Mr. Ibalio will be held responsible for his conduct.”
Ibalio offered the 'minor' $200 in exchange for sex. Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor is a class B felony punishable by up to 10-years in prison.
Ibalio must also register as a sex offender.
“Those who prey on children are among the greatest public-safety threats we face in Hawaiʻi,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez. “The ICAC Task Force and my Department’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division have ensured that Mr. Ibalio will be held responsible for his conduct.”
Ibalio's sentencing date is scheduled for Aug. 27, 2024.