Jefferson Co. man sentenced to 10 years in prison for trying to meet minor for sex

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – A Jefferson County man was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Wednesday, Oct. 23, for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

A judge sentenced Robert Elton Trimble, 38, of Kimberly, to 120 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI.

The sentence comes after Trimble pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.

According to court documents, on October 16, 2023, Trimble made contact with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old girl on social media. After learning his age that day, authorities say he continued to communicate with “the child” by asking about school, talking to him about his job and asking for photos.

Within two weeks, authorities say the conversation turned sexual, with Trimble questioning the “child” about her sexual experiences and discussing his plans to meet her in person.

On November 21, 2023, Trimble arrived to meet the girl. He was arrested immediately. That’s when authorities say Trimble learned he had been communicating with an undercover agent since October.

If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, you are encouraged to contact law enforcement. You can alert the FBI’s Birmingham office by calling 205-326-6166. You can also file a report online by visiting cybertipline.org.

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