BONNERS FERRY — A man was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to injuring a child following a sting operation conducted by the Boundary County Sheriff's Office. 

Shawn C. Vigil, 37, was sentenced to two years fixed and two years indeterminate in the Idaho Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to one count of injury to a child. 

Judge Jensen retained jurisdiction for 365 days, and Vigil received credit for 32 days already served. 

He was initially charged with second-degree kidnapping but entered a guilty plea Nov. 25, 2025, to one count of injury to a child. 

Prosecutors argued for a sentence of two years fixed and three years indeterminate, saying Vigil appeared to struggle with mental health issues but that those issues did not excuse his conduct. 

Defense attorneys argued for two years of probation, saying Vigil had found God, had no prior criminal history and was confused during the incident. 

There were no members of the public in attendance for the sentencing hearing.     

Vigil was initially charged Aug. 6 after documents alleged he texted someone he believed to be a 15-year-old girl, who was actually a confidential informant participating in a sting operation. 

Vigil then allegedly drove about two hours to meet who he believed was a 15-year-old girl and take her to dinner. 

When he arrived, Vigil allegedly saw police and ran away before he was later found in a nearby driveway, according to court records. 

Vigil spoke for several minutes during sentencing, arguing for a lighter sentence than prosecutors requested. He began by asking to pray. 

He said that when he received the messages from the decoy, he believed he was being scammed. Vigil said he went to meet the person because he wanted to confront what he believed was a bully. 

He paused several times to compose himself. 

During his statement, he told Judge Jensen, “I hope you show mercy on me. I just want a chance to be able to experience life.” 

In her remarks, Jensen said the incident was “incredibly concerning” and inappropriate. 

She said Vigil would not be placed in the general prison population and instead would enter a treatment program. 

Vigil will not be required to register as a sex offender.