Bodycam shows police arresting Todd Allen Stafford when he tried to lure a 15-year-old to Iron Mountain

A Wisconsin man was found guilty Thursday on federal charges related to his relations with an Iron Mountain 15-year-old last year.

Todd Allen Stafford was found guilty on all counts, including coercion or enticement of a minor, and two counts of travelling across state lines for the purpose of engaging in illicit conduct.

Last summer, police were alerted to Stafford’s behavior after parents discovered concerning messages on their child’s phone. After investigating, police posed as the teen to lure Stafford to a park in Iron Mountain before surrounding and arresting him.

“Mr. Stafford preyed on minors,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten after the jury read their verdict. “Today he was held accountable. Those who exploit children and think they can hide should think twice. Protecting our most vulnerable is, and will continue to be, a top priority for our office.”

“The dangers our children face from online predators are very real and happening too often in our communities,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “My office stands with our partners at the Iron Mountain Police Department in our commitment to vigorously investigate those who commit crimes against children.”