Antelope Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Exploitation

Mark Sigl, 63, pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor for sexual activity

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Mark Sigl, a 63-year-old man from Antelope, California, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison following an undercover operation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Sigl communicated online with an undercover detective posing as the father of a 10-year-old girl and expressed a desire to engage in sexual acts with the child. When Sigl arrived at the meeting location, he was arrested by sheriff's detectives, and several sex-related items were recovered from his vehicle.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the sexual exploitation of children online. The arrest and conviction of Sigl sends a strong message that such predatory behavior will not be tolerated and that authorities are actively working to identify and apprehend individuals who seek to harm minors.

The details

The arrest stemmed from an operation called 'Spring Cleaning' conducted in March 2024 by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. During the operation, investigators said Sigl communicated online with someone he believed was the father of a 10-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover ICAC detective. Sigl expressed a desire to engage in sexual acts with the child and arranged a meeting with the purported father and child at a designated location. When Sigl arrived at the meeting place, he was arrested by sheriff's detectives, and several sex-related items were recovered from his parked vehicle.

  • The operation 'Spring Cleaning' was conducted in March 2024.
  • Sigl was sentenced on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Mark Sigl

A 63-year-old man from Antelope, California, who was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor for sexual activity.

Sacramento County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that conducted the undercover operation and arrested Sigl.

Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

A multi-agency task force that investigates crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children across the region.

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What’s next

The sheriff's office reported that if there is anyone who believes their child may have had contact with Sigl, they should come forward and report it by calling 916-874-5115, contacting Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers, or submitting information through the P3 TIP.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and apprehend individuals who seek to exploit and harm children. It serves as a reminder to parents and caregivers to be vigilant about their children's online activities and to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.