Man arrested in sex sting accused of trying to give money, Wendy’s french fries for sex acts: Report

SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) — A man was arrested by the Mahoning County Human Trafficking Task Force in a sex sting on Thursday.

According to the report, Jonathan Collins, 47 of Norwalk, Ohio was arrested in Salem after Task Force Agents and police officers conducted an undercover sting operation targeting those attempting to buy sex online.

The report stated in February 2024 an undercover Task Force Agent posted an ad on a known website used for the solicitation of prostitution. The report said that Collins responded to the posted ad and requested acts of sexual conduct from a person whom he believed to be a 15-year-old girl and her adult mother.

Reports said that on Thursday, Collins again responded to the posted ad and requested two acts of sexual conduct from only the child, while agreeing to pay $160.00 for the acts. Reports said that in the conversation, he was asked to bring Wendy’s french fries. The report said that Collins brought both the money and the french fries to the meeting.

Reports said that Collins requested to take a picture and videos of the juvenile engaged in the sexual conduct with him. Reports said that when Collins arrived at the meeting location, he was arrested by Task Force Agents as well as assisting officers and troopers. Reports said that Collins let authorities check his cell phone.

Reports said that Collins was booked into the Columbiana County Jail on charges of compelling prostitution (F3), attempted pandering obscenity involving a minor (F3), attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (F4), importuning (F5), and possessing criminal tools (F5).

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