Ark. football coach, wife arrested for allegedly making plans to have sex with children
12/06/2023 12:49 pm PST
BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (TCD) -- Two people, including a minor league football coach, have been arrested following a sting operation for allegedly trying to meet up with minors for sex.
According to a probable cause affidavit, on Nov. 19, a Benton County Sheriff’s Office undercover detective reportedly received a message on an online platform from someone who said he was "into some very sick f--ked up taboos."
The detective and the user, who communicated under the name "centralsfinest," switched to an encrypted messaging app. Centralsfinest allegedly told the detective it would be "easy to talk to you there and we can talk about all of your naughtiest most taboo fantasies."
The detective learned centralsfinest was allegedly two people — Benjamin Coney and his wife, Emily Brinley. Coney allegedly said his wife "likes them young," though the affidavit redacted certain age ranges. She allegedly told Coney she wanted to see him have sex with a prepubescent girl. The conversation continued regarding certain sexual acts and desires.
According to the affidavit, Coney allegedly asked the detective to meet up with them and said they could head there immediately. The detective reportedly asked if they had lube, and Coney allegedly responded, "I don’t but I can get some."
The detective spoke with the couple on the phone, and they allegedly shared what they intended to perform on an underage girl. Coney allegedly said he was "excited to touch" the girl.
Coney and Brinley arrived at the discussed destination and were subsequently arrested. Detectives searched their car and discovered lube, two "sexual aids," and a receipt for the lube.
When speaking with the detective, Brinley reportedly said she "was just trying to be a good wife, and that she was not interested in children." She allegedly claimed she "was not going to do anything with any children, and she just wanted to make him happy." She allegedly said she "went along with Ben and repeated stuff she heard him say."
The affidavit says Brinley told investigators she and Coney previously discussed having children together. One night when they were having sex, Coney allegedly said he "wanted to have a baby and if it was a girl he could have sex with her." After that, Brinley reportedly started crying and refused to have sex with him again.
Coney reportedly admitted that detectives would find child sexual abuse material on his devices.
They were both booked into the Benton County Jail on charges of internet stalking of a child and conspiracy to commit rape. Both of their bonds were set at $200,000.
The Batesville Daily Guard reports Coney was the coach of a local minor league football team, the Arkansas Punishers. In a statement, the team said they terminated him from his position and that they "do not support or allow his actions at all in our organization."
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