An Anson, Texas man has been charged with attempted enticement of a minor after allegedly arranging to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl. The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced that Ervin Joe Campbell, 63, was arrested on February 26, 2026. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John R. Parker for his initial court appearance.
“The collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners took another alleged would-be predator from our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This case highlights the importance of devoting resources to unearth sex trafficking in the Northern District of Texas. We will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute these cases.”
According to the federal complaint, Campbell is accused of attempting to persuade or coerce an individual he thought was fifteen years old into prostitution and sexual activity that could result in criminal charges. On February 25, 2026, several agencies—including the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations, the Abilene Police Department, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office—conducted an undercover operation in Abilene targeting child predators and those soliciting prostitution.
Investigators posed as minors aged fifteen and sixteen using an undercover account on Facebook Marketplace under the name “Massage and Fun.” Campbell allegedly contacted this account and agreed to pay $200 for sex with someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl.
The complaint states that Campbell sent a photo of himself and claimed he was 60 years old. After being told that the person he was communicating with was fifteen years old, Campbell responded by saying “I could get in trouble,” followed by “I’m not a cop, are you?” The investigator also offered him access to a supposed sixteen-year-old friend for $500 for sexual intercourse with both girls.
Campbell reportedly arrived at a prearranged meeting place carrying two condoms and $652 in cash. Officers found a cellphone where Campbell had saved the undercover investigator’s number as “15.”
If convicted on these charges, Campbell faces between ten years and life imprisonment in federal prison. He remains in custody pending detention and preliminary hearings scheduled for March 3, 2026.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations Abilene Division; Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division in Abilene; Abilene Police Department; and the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney James is prosecuting.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
