A South Dayton man could spend anywhere from 10 years to life in federal prison after admitting to enticing a teenager to have sex with him. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced Thursday that 59-year-old Ronald Howard pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor, which was the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and New York State Police.
Prosecutors say Howard communicated with a 14-year-old female via text messaging and Snapchat between March 16 and April 10, 2024. During that time, the two engaged in sexual conversation and discussed meeting to engage in sexual activity. Howard, who knew the female's age, asked her to send him a naked picture, which she did. Subsequently, Howard and the teenager met on two occasions and engaged in sexual activity. On June 16, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Howard's residence, during which he admitted to communicating with and having sex with the 14-year-old. Howard also admitted to having sexual communications with a 13-year-old female from Arkansas and receiving sexually explicit images from her. In addition, analysis of a cell telephone seized from Howard revealed sexual communications with an 11-year-old female and her 14-year-old sister.
Sentencing for Howard is scheduled for November 6th.
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