SAN FRANCISCO — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - California, Northern), published as received.
SAN FRANCISCO – A Humboldt County resident was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for attempting to coerce and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley handed down the sentence.
Joseph Raymond Shinn, 47, of Ferndale, Calif., was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 19, 2025, and pleaded guilty on Nov. 5, 2025, to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. According to the plea agreement, between Sept. 30, 2024, through Oct. 6, 2024, Shinn messaged an individual whom he believed to be a 13-year-old minor, sending sexually explicit messages and images via a messaging application. He eventually arranged a meeting with the minor to engage in sexual acts. On his way to the minor’s home, Shinn purchased sex paraphernalia that he intended to use. Shinn was arrested by law enforcement upon his arrival at the home.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
Shinn has been in custody since November 2024. He will begin serving his prison term immediately. In addition to the prison term, Judge Corley also ordered Shinn to serve eight years of supervised release which will begin after his term of imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara E. Henderson is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Soana Katoa. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI, with assistance from the Eureka Police Department and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.
