Lubbock man caught in child predator sting admits guilt

Note: The video above reflects the top headlines from the morning of June 25, 2024.

LUBBOCK, Texas — A Lubbock man who was captured in a statewide operation targeting predators, Charlie Ivins, 28, has agreed to plead guilty to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor, according to Federal Court documents.

EverythingLubbock.com previously reported that Ivins was arrested in the 3100 block of 34th Street as part of the second annual Operation Janus.

Court documents obtained Tuesday indicated an undercover agent posed online as a 14-year-old Lubbock girl. Court records say Ivins began messaging the undercover agent on social media and became “sexually aggressive toward (the undercover figure) almost immediately.”

Ivins was messaging someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl and was still trying to make arrangements to meet for sexual activity, according to court documents. Ivins admitted to sending several other lewd messages.

Ivins went to a location to meet an underage girl and was encountered by law enforcement. Court documents revealed that Ivins even brought a condom to meet the teen. Court records say Ivins admitted he knew the girl was only 14 years old. Court records say Ivins was questioned and told authorities, “I was stupid and I was excited, but that’s no excuse.” »

Court records also indicate that Ivins told authorities that “when he is drinking and horny, he is not concerned with the ages of the women he is messaging for photographs or sexual activity.”

If his plea is accepted, Ivins will later be sentenced to a maximum prison term of 10 years. He will have to register as a sex offender.