A 62-year-old East Palestine man caught in an undercover sex sting has started serving a three-year prison term.

James E. Browne pleaded guilty earlier to several sex offenses including importuning and disseminating material harmful to juveniles.

According to the Columbiana County Prosecutor, Browne was charged following an investigation by the East Palestine Police Department during which Browne solicited sex from an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a twelve-year-old girl.

 Browne also forwarded obscene photographs to the undercover officer.

Additionally, Browne has been designated as a Tier I Sexual Offender.

He’ll be eligible for Parole in May 2025.