Spokane man sentenced to federal prison

SPOKANE — A former Ferris High School assistant football coach was sentenced to more than 22 years in federal prison Thursday in a case that involved underage girls, including one from Moses Lake.

Charles Eglet, 31, of Spokane, was sentenced in federal court in Spokane to 270 months in federal prison. Eglet pleaded guilty in February to production of child pornography and online enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity.

Eglet used Snapchat and other social media platforms to contact the girls, often telling them he was their age, or about their age, though he was in his late twenties, according to information in court proceedings, a U.S. Department of Justice press release stated.

Eglet’s victims typically were in high school or about to start high school. He used his contacts with them to solicit child pornography and to meet some of them. On multiple occasions, Eglet successfully met up with a 14-year-old girl, then a 15-year-old girl, according to the press release.

“The sentence imposed today sends a stern message to those who sexually exploit children. Your exploitation of children will not be tolerated,” said William D. Hyslop, U.S. attorney for the eastern district of Washington, in the press release.

Hyslop commended the families of victims who reported Eglet’s conduct to the authorities. “I hope this significant sentence brings them some measure of peace,” Hyslop stated.

“The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington encourages all minors and their parents to ensure that minors only communicate online with people who they know IRL (‘in real life’),” he stated.

In February, the Columbia Basin Herald reported that Eglet had been arrested as part of a sting operation involving federal and state law enforcement agencies.