Ohio man pleads guilty in Internet sex case involving Lawrence teen

A 43-year-old Ohio man pleaded guilty Monday to one count of using a computer and the Internet to entice a 14-year-old Lawrence girl to engage in sex.

In his plea, Kenny Collins, Alliance, Ohio, admitted that he met the girl in a Yahoo chat room for single parents, according to a release from U.S. Attorney Eric Melgren.

The girl reportedly sent him photos and videos of herself engaged in sexual activities. Collins urged her to purchase a Web cam and he sent her a box of sex toys along with specific requests about what he wanted to see her do.

The relationship continued until Jan. 9, 2007, when the Lawrence Police Department investigated a child welfare complaint involving the girl, who by then was 17 years old.

Investigators found obscene images of Collins in the girl’s possession. On Collins’ computer, they found photos and videos of the girl engaging in sexual activities.

Collins is set for sentencing Nov. 3. He faces a sentence of not less than 10 years and not more than life.

Melgren commended the Lawrence Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin for their work on the case.