MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Robert Paper, 32, of Ranson, West Virginia, pled guilty today to traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual conduct with a minor victim, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In January 2016, Paper transported a minor female across state lines from Pennsylvania into West Virginia with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. He pled guilty today to one count of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct.” He faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police Crimes Against Children Unit investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.