Former LA Deputy Convicted of Child Exploitation in Arizona

Jeffrey Joseph York, a 68-year-old retired deputy from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, was found guilty by a Yavapai County jury of luring a minor for sexual exploitation and attempted sexual conduct with minors. The conviction followed an undercover operation conducted by local law enforcement and the FBI's Human Trafficking Task Force, which began on September 30, 2023. During the operation, York attempted to arrange sexual encounters with a 7-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, engaging in explicit conversations through social media. Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane condemned York's actions, emphasizing the betrayal of trust given his law enforcement background. York faces a potential sentence of over 26 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for February 28. McGrane reiterated a strong message against child predators, asserting that they will be prosecuted vigorously in Yavapai County.