PRESS RELEASE

January 9, 2026

Electronic Solicitation of a Child Arrest

Boaz man arrested for Electronic Solicitation of a Child, according to Sheriff Jonathon Horton.

On January 8, 2026, the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office and Etowah County District Attorney's Office, served an arrest warrant and an Etowah County search warrant at a residence located at Maple Drive in Boaz, Alabama.

As a result of this operation, James Eric Sitz, age 50, was taken into custody on an arrest warrant issued by the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office for Electronic Solicitation of a Child.

The arrest stems from a proactive undercover investigation that began in August 2025 and continued through the present. During the investigation, Sitz believed he was communicating online with a 14-year-old female which was an undercover persona operated by a Baldwin County Sheriff's Investigator. Investigators also identified information linking Sitz to a separate undercover investigation conducted by a law enforcement officer in West Virginia.

During a post-arrest interview, Sitz admitted to engaging in inappropriate online communications with the undercover persona. Multiple electronic devices in his possession were seized that possibly contained child sexual abuse material, depicting young teenage girls. It's also believed several underage individuals with whom he had interacted online, some of whom were located within approximately one hour of his residence. Additionally, investigators say evidence shows instances in which he solicited nude images from live underage victims, indicating the potential for additional charges related to the production of child sexual abuse material.

Sitz is currently being held in Etowah County while awaiting extradition to Baldwin County.

The investigation and prosecution are being supported by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, the Etowah County District Attorney's Office, the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, Baldwin County District Attorney's Office, and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Alabama. These agencies will continue working together on prosecution, case coordination, victim identification, and additional investigative steps.

"This arrest is the result of a proactive, long-term investigation and strong cooperation between local, state, and federal partners. Protecting our children is a top priority, and we remain committed to identifying and holding accountable anyone who seeks to exploit them. I am proud of the work done by our investigators and partnering agencies in this true team effort, and we will continue doing everything possible to safeguard our communities and our youth."

James Eric Sitz