Former North Dakota state lawmaker Luke Simons is set to plead guilty to charges related to traveling to pay for sex with a minor. The Associated Press reports that Simons, who previously represented Dickinson in the state House of Representatives, is expected to enter his plea in a federal court on Friday.
The criminal complaint against Simons alleges that he communicated with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old boy online and arranged to meet up for sex in Bismarck. However, the person he was communicating with turned out to be an undercover officer with the Bismarck Police Department.
In May, Simons was charged with attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. He was arrested after allegedly traveling to a designated meeting spot where he planned to pay for sex with the supposed minor. If he is convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Simons was expelled from the North Dakota House of Representatives earlier this year following allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2016 and was reelected in 2018 and 2020.
The case against Simons is a troubling reminder of the dangers of online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from harm. It is a stark reminder that no one, regardless of their position or reputation, is above the law when it comes to exploiting vulnerable individuals for personal gain.
As Simons prepares to face the consequences of his actions, it is essential that lawmakers and community members work together to ensure that justice is served and that measures are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Source
Photo credit news.google.com