Former Cortez Journal sports editor Bobby Abplanalp, was arrested in Burleigh County, N.D., on June 12 and charged with attempted human trafficking and attempting to knowingly pay for sex with a person under the age of 18.

According to the criminal complaint, Abplanalp attempted to obtain another person for sex, knowing that the person was under the age of 18 and would be subject to human trafficking.

The crimes with which Abplanalp is charged are classified as Class A felonies in North Dakota and carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Abplanalp is currently being held on $50,000 bond.

Abplanalp worked as sports editor for the Cortez Journal from July 2010 until May 2013. He left the Journal after accepting a similar position with the Dickinson Press in Dickinson, N.D.

The investigation into the Abplanalp’s alleged crimes is ongoing at this time.