Monticello man pleads guilty to enticing 12-year-old girl to have sex

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Monticello man pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to attempting to entice a 12-year-old girl to have sex.

Colton Rickels, 19, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of attempted enticement of a minor. Rickels faces 10 years to life in federal prison.

Rickels, during the hearing, admitted he used the Internet in an attempt to persuade, induce, entice or coerce the child into sexual activity in October 2014.

According to court documents, Rickels groped and touched the 12-year-old, sent her explicit images of himself, offered to give her marijuana and threatened to provide others with information if she didn't have sex with him.

The plea agreement remains sealed at this time.

Rickels remains in custody pending sentencing, which hasn't been set at this time. He also will be ordered to pay a fine up to $250,000 and be on supervised release for five years to life following his prison time. He may also have to pay restitution.