A file photo from Jan. 14, 2013, shows a judge’s gavel resting on a desk inside the Court of Appeals at the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center in Denver. AP Photo
A man from Red Deer, Alberta, will spend 17 years in a U.S. prison after a court found him guilty in a child luring case linked to a fake trip to Walt Disney World in Florida.
James Hjelmeland, 31, admitted guilt in November to several serious charges. These included attempting to lure a minor and handling illegal material involving children. A court in Orlando delivered the sentence last week.
Undercover Operation Led to Arrest
The case began in December 2024 when a detective in Florida posed online as the parent of a 12-year-old girl. The officer used an anonymous social media platform to attract potential offenders.
The officer posted a message asking if anyone could help arrange a trip to Disney for the child. Hjelmeland responded and began communicating with the undercover officer.
According to court documents, he offered to act as the girl’s “sugar daddy” and proposed travelling with her in exchange for sexual contact.
“A cute 12 yr old girl would be a great reason to travel and come visit,” he said during the exchange.
He also offered to buy clothing, lingerie, and other items for the child. Over time, the conversation turned into plans for a trip to Florida, with discussions of another possible trip to Mexico.
Arrest at Airport
In January 2025, Hjelmeland travelled to Orlando to meet the child. Authorities arrested him at the airport as soon as he arrived.
Law enforcement agencies from different regions worked together on the case, leading to the arrest and charges.
U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe praised the effort by multiple agencies.
“The co-operation demonstrated by local, federal and international agencies in this case affirms a commitment by our law enforcement partners to protect children from exploitation and harm,” he said.
“Because of their diligence and shared expertise, another child predator has been brought to justice.”
Defence Arguments in Court
Hjelmeland’s lawyer asked the court to consider a shorter sentence of 10 years. The defence pointed to his guilty plea and expressed remorse.
The lawyer also raised concerns about his client’s past, saying early trauma played a role in his behaviour.
“His childhood taught him the behaviour,” the lawyer said. “The only question is whether he will continue to (be) driven by his childhood trauma or whether he will find the courage not to be driven by it in the future.”
Family members also submitted letters to the court. They described personal struggles, including the loss of a brother in a car accident in 2023.
“We love James, yet absolutely do not condone what he has done,” one relative wrote.
Another family member added, “I hope that he has learned a hard lesson about his choices.”
Appeal Expected
Despite the sentence, the defence has indicated plans to challenge the decision through an appeal.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to use online tools to prevent crimes against children and bring offenders to justice.
