Sacramento man sentenced to 10 years for attempting to sexually abuse child

63-year-old Mark Sigl arrested in undercover sting operation

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The US attorney's office sentenced a 63-year-old Sacramento man to 10 years in prison after he attempted to engage in sexual activity with a 10-year-old girl. In March 2024, Mark Sigl communicated with an undercover officer posing as the father of the child and planned to meet them to carry out the abuse, but was arrested on site.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of child predators seeking to exploit minors online and the importance of law enforcement conducting undercover operations to identify and apprehend these individuals before they can harm children.

The details

In March 2024, Mark Sigl from Antelope, a Sacramento suburb, was communicating with someone he believed was the father of a 10-year-old girl, but who was actually an undercover officer. Sigl communicated his desire to perform sex acts on the child and planned to meet the undercover officer and child at a designated location. When Sigl arrived at the location, law enforcement officers were waiting and arrested him. Several sex items were recovered from his vehicle.

  • In March 2024, Sigl communicated with the undercover officer.
  • On July 1, 2025, Sigl pleaded guilty to the charge.
  • In February 2026, Sigl was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The players

Mark Sigl

A 63-year-old man from Antelope, a Sacramento suburb, who was arrested and convicted for attempting to sexually abuse a 10-year-old girl.

US Attorney's Office

The federal prosecutorial office that sentenced Sigl to 10 years in prison for his crimes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This case highlights the ongoing threat of child predators seeking to exploit minors online and the importance of law enforcement conducting undercover operations to identify and apprehend these individuals before they can harm children.”

— Eric Grant, U.S. Attorney (fox40.com)

What’s next

The judge's 10-year sentence for Sigl's attempted coercion and enticement of a minor will keep him incarcerated and prevent him from harming any children in the near future.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the vigilance required by law enforcement and the public to identify and stop child predators before they can act on their criminal intentions. It also highlights the need for continued education and awareness around online safety for minors.