An Ephrata man arrested by the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force was sentenced to 2 ½ to 6 years in prison Tuesday by Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker for attempting to have sex with a 14-year-old.

Zakianny Maldonado, 32 of the 200 block of E. Main St., pleaded guilty in June to charges of patronizing a victim of human trafficking, statutory sexual assault (11 years older), criminal use of a communication facility, corruption of minors, and indecent assault of a person less than 16.

Assistant District Attorney Amy Muller asked for a sentence within the standard guidelines of 22 to 36 months, stating the defendant is a danger to society because he is seeking out children to have sex with online.

Defense counsel asked for a county sentence because the defendant admitted guilt and needed to continue providing for his family. The defendant said he regretted his decisions and was remorseful.

“I hope what you say is true and accurate,” Judge Reinaker said. “There’s no defense to this. It’s clear you knew exactly what you were doing.”

Reinaker then ordered sentence and noted the defendant must register as a sex offender with Pennsylvania State Police for the rest of his life.

The Human Trafficking Task Force conducted an undercover detail in January 2023 focused on solicitation of minors online.

Maldonado responded to an online “taboo” advertisement and began communicating with an undercover Human Trafficking Task Force detective, who was posing as a family member of a 14-year-old female.

Maldonado agreed to have sex with the minor for 30 minutes in exchange for $200.

The undercover detective instructed Maldonado to meet at a motel in the 2600 block of Lincoln Highway. Maldonado arrived at the designated location and approached the specific room communicated between the parties before he was arrested in possession of the $200.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Amos Glick filed charges.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.