Waterloo Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

DAVENPORT, Iowa — A 47-year-old Waterloo man has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor, federal prosecutors announced Friday.

Online Sting Leads to Arrest

Court documents show Gabriel Usher began communicating online in October 2023 with an undercover officer who posed as a 15-year-old child. Within days, Usher expressed affection for the minor and suggested engaging in sexual acts.

Authorities arrested him when he arrived at a prearranged meeting location. His phone was seized at the scene, providing further evidence.

Previous State Convictions

Usher was already serving time for unrelated charges. In October 2024, he was sentenced in Black Hawk County to five years in state prison for offenses that included enticing a minor under 16 and sexual exploitation.

Federal Sentencing Details

In addition to his 14-year federal sentence, Usher will serve a 10-year term of supervised release upon completion and is required to register as a sex offender.

Officials said the case underscores the dangers of online communication between predators and minors, as well as the importance of undercover operations in preventing child exploitation.

The sentencing of Gabriel Usher closes a case that spanned nearly two years of investigations across both state and federal levels.

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