Man sentenced to seven months after underage-sex sting

A Beaverton, Ore., man who propositioned a fictitious 14-year-old girl for sex during a law enforcement sting was sentenced Tuesday to seven months in jail.

Joshua E. Harris, 38, was previously found guilty by a Clark County Superior Court jury of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes, possession of methamphetamine and attempted third-degree rape of a child.

He was arrested Jan. 13, 2016, outside a business on Northeast Andresen Road after responding to an online ad. At the time of his arrest, Harris admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Deputy Prosecutor Jeff McCarty requested that Harris be sentenced to the maximum of one year in jail. He said the most disturbing part of the case was Harris’ lack of remorse and responsibility for his actions. He argued that Harris said throughout the case that he blacked out after using the methamphetamine and couldn’t remember much of what happened.

However, Harris told the judge that his conduct in the case was out of character.

“I do feel remorse. I know I made a mistake,” he said.

In addition to his sentence, Harris will have to register as a sex offender and cannot have contact with minors. He was given credit for 78 days in jail.