Western Maryland man pled guilty to intent to engage in sexual acts with a minor
A western Maryland man has been sentenced after he was found to be trying to have a sexual relationship with a minor.
According to the US District Attorney’s Office, James Cicala was sentenced to seven years behind bars.
This comes after last year when authorities say an undercover detective with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office was investigating child solicitation on the internet when he responded to an ad entitled “Daddy’s Little Girl.”
The undercover detective apparently identified himself as a teen girl, and police say the then 54-year-old Cicala identified himself as a 40-year-old man, and he and the undercover detective allegedly had numerous conversations. According to reports, police tried to identify the owner of the phone number used to make contact with the undercover detective.
Police apparently found the phone belonged to the Department Of Justice, and authorities say Cicala worked for the D.O.J. and was using his work phone and computer to communicate.
On August 15, police say Cicala was arrested after he traveled from Delaware to Worcester County, Maryland, to engage in sexual conduct with the girl.
Cicala eventually pleaded guilty to intending to engage in sexual acts with a minor, and 47ABC is told that Cicala was ordered to register as a sex offender.
Officials say he is no long employed with the D.O.J.
