Harker Heights Man Sent to Prison for Attempting to Entice a Minor Via Craigslist

LAREDO, Texas – A 49-year-old resident of Harker Heights has been ordered to federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Alton Zerie Brister pleaded guilty March 31, 2017.

Today, U.S. District Judge George P. Kazen handed Brister a 120-month sentence. Brister will also serve 10 years of supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the Internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender and must pay a $5,000 special assessment.

Brister had placed a Craigslist ad that sought “school time fun.” He soon began engaging in sexually-explicit conversations with someone be believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He also sent sexually-explicit photos to that individual, who was actually a member of law enforcement. Eventually, Brister agreed to meet the individual in Laredo for the purpose of engaging in sex with the girl and her mother. He was arrested upon his arrival.

Following his arrest, Brister admitted posting the Craigslist advertisement and engaging in sexually explicit communications with someone whom he believed to be a minor.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Coker prosecuted the case.