James Hjelmeland, a 30-year-old Canadian citizen, was sentenced on Mar. 24 by U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza to 17 years and six months in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, as well as distributing, transporting, and possessing child sexual abuse material. Hjelmeland pleaded guilty on November 25, 2025, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
The case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation crimes across international borders.
Court documents show that on December 29, 2024, an undercover detective with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office posed as the guardian of a fictional twelve-year-old child during online conversations with Hjelmeland. During these exchanges, Hjelmeland engaged in sexually explicit conversation and made plans to travel from Canada to Orlando with the intent of having sex with the child. He also distributed child sexual abuse material during this communication. Upon his arrest in Orlando, authorities found additional illegal material involving children under twelve on his cellphone.
“The cooperation 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,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Because of their diligence and shared expertise, another child predator has been brought to justice.” Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker said: “Protecting our children is a fundamental responsibility of law enforcement. By taking these sexual predators off the streets, we are safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society.” Hemker added that Homeland Security Investigations remains committed to working with other agencies “to seek out those who would exploit children, bring them to justice, and ensure the continued safety of our children.”
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations; Orange County Sheriff’s Office; United States Customs and Border Protection; and the Southern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation Team. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice—to combat growing incidents of child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts among federal prosecutors’ offices and other partners.
