Man who had second thoughts receives probation in sex sting

A Lake Tahoe native who reportedly had second thoughts about paying a 17-year-old for sex received probation on Tuesday.

Javier Rodriguez Aguilar, 23, faces an underlying sentence of 12-30 months on a count of soliciting a child for prostitution.

“There are no words to describe the shame I feel,” Rodriguez Aguilar said.

Attorney Adam Spicer said Rodriguez Aguilar had second thoughts about knocking on the hotel room door where officers were waiting to take him into custody.

“He ultimately made the decision to walk past the door,” Spicer said. “He went to the room with cash in hand and started to walk away.”

That hesitation and no criminal record factored in the sentencing recommendation for the minimum sentence.

Prosecutor Chelsea Mazza said despite those factors, she was still seeking prison time.

Rodriguez Aguilar must pay a $500 fine by June 1 and do 200 hours of community service.

He will not be required to register as a sex offender.

• A Sacramento man is denying three felony charges that stemmed from a sex trafficking sting conducted on April 29, 2022, at Stateline.

Jaquan Andre Ford, 22, appeared in Douglas County District Court on Tuesday.

Ford is facing charges of attempted sexual abuse of a child, attempted sexual seduction by a person 21 years or older and luring a child using a computer or other technology.

Ford waived his right to a trial within 60 days and a July 5-7 trial date was set.

According to court documents, Ford contacted a law enforcement officer posing as a 15-year-old through an online application.

• A man who carried on an affair with a 14-year-old runaway will remain in custody on $150,643 bail pending his April 3 sentencing for lewdness with a child under the age of 16.

Jose Luis Guerra III, 37, sought release on his own recognizance or a lower bail through attorney Max Stovall pending his sentencing.

Guerra, an Iraq War veteran, faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine after he admitted to the charge.

Stovall argued that the two-tour veteran suffered from PTSD and alcoholism.

“He has had a difficult life as a result of his military service,” Stovall said.

Prosecutor Chelsea Mazza said her office contacted the victim and her guardian as required by Marsy’s Law.

She said the girl wanted Guerra freed, while her guardian did not.

Under the law, there is no requirement to free someone on bail after they enter a guilty plea. Guerra is not eligible for probation.