Former L.A. School Police Officer Expected to Plead Guilty in Child Trafficking Case

June 26, 2017 | 

Mauricio Edgardo Estrada, a former Los Angeles School District police officer charged with computer solicitation of a 15-year old girl for sex is expected to enter guilty plea today. 

The charges stem from an April 2016 case where Estrada responded to a Craigslist posting from the victim promising a sexual encounter. Instead of being a 15-year old, the victim was confronted by an undercover law enforcement official.  

Estrada is expected to enter the plea in Federal Court in Los Angeles before U.S. District Judge Dale Fischer. The suspect could face up to five years in prison and be required to register as a sex offender. 

The original charges against Estrada included attempted sex trafficking, but the charges were later reduced by federal prosecutors after the defendant agreed to plead out.  

After contacting the undercover victim, Estrada was prepared to pay $150 in an Artesia, Calif. gas station. Instead, the defendant was met by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies who arrested him. 

Estrada was originally employed by the LAUSD in 2013.