Ohio man who sent 'coded' sexual letters to Utah child pleads guilty

SALT LAKE CITY — An Ohio man who was arrested in Utah last year and accused of engaging in coded, sexual conversations with a minor pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to enticement.

Wade S. Christofferson, 73, was charged by criminal complaint in the Southern District of Ohio with attempting to sexually exploit a minor and coercion and enticement. He pleaded guilty on Thursday to the coercion and enticement charge, for which he faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office of Southern Ohio.

In November, Wade Christofferson was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail and appeared in federal court in Utah before being extradited to Ohio for further proceedings.

Charges state that Christofferson, who lives in Dublin, Ohio, was on a FaceTime call with a minor victim in Utah when the father witnessed inappropriate behavior. When the father confronted Christofferson, Christofferson admitted to having sexually abused the then 7- or 8-year-old girl while visiting Utah in the past, prosecutors said.

During a search at his home for electronic devices, police discovered his search history included "criminal defense attorneys sex crimes columbus ohio" and "In Ohio do clergy have to report child abuse confessions," according to the charges.

Christofferson's plea agreement, filed with the court on June 29, is sealed. His sentencing has not been scheduled yet.

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