PORTLAND (AP) — An Oregon man has admitted taking his girlfriend's toddler across state lines for sexual abuse.
Prosecutors and a defense attorney jointly recommend 25 years in prison for 36-year-old James Lee Hickerson of Gresham, Ore. He pleaded guilty Thursday to transportation of a minor for unlawful sexual activity as well as production and distribution of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Michael Simon set sentencing for Nov. 9.
Hickerson's girlfriend, Carolyn Knudsen, lived in Camas, Washington, and couldn't drive.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane Shoemaker said Hickerson drove his girlfriend and her daughter at least once a month from Washington to his Gresham home, and sometimes they engaged in sex acts with the toddler.
Knudsen pleaded guilty in May.
Hickerson's father, Neil Lee Hickerson, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in the case.