LINCOLN, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska man has been sentenced after being convicted of charges related to his attempts to have sex with an underage girl.

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Steve Russell, 49-year-old Timothy Daly of Ponca was sentenced to seven years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

On August 23, 2021, Daly reportedly contacted a phone number appearing on an online advertisement which offered sexual services. An undercover law enforcement officer responded, posing as a 15-year-old female. 

Through a text conversation, Daly planned a meeting with the 15-year-old-girl to engage in sexual activities not knowing the girl was an undercover officer.

Three days later, Daly traveled to the arranged meeting place. Shortly thereafter, he was arrested by law enforcement. His vehicle was searched, and the cash and fast food which had been negotiated as payment for the proposed sex acts were located in his vehicle, as well as condoms.

Daly pleaded guilty to interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual content with a minor in January of this year. His arrest was part of a 12-state inter-agency effort during which 102 arrests were made and 47 victims were reported rescued.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.