Judge suspends sentence, gives probation to Ohio man for enticement of 13-year-old girl

An Ohio man who attempted to meet a 13-year-old girl at a hotel to have sex in 2023 received a suspended sentence and probation last week.

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Walter Conkright, 29, of Cincinnati, Ohio, pleaded in January to enticing a minor under 16 — sexual purpose. He faced up to five years in prison for the Class D felony.

As part of the plea agreement, 6th Judicial District Judge Ian Thornhill last Tuesday suspended the sentencing, giving Conkright four years probation. He also ordered him to comply with the sex offenders registry. This is considered a sexually predatory offense which would enhance a prison term for any future similar offense.

Conkright was charged after he contacted a spoof profile of a 13-year-old girl that was created on a dating app by Bikers Against Predators, an Indiana nonprofit organization that combats online child predators. Conkright, who was staying at the Residence Inn, 730 33rd Ave. SW, contacted the profile on Oct. 25, 2023.

According to court documents, Conkright understood the girl was 13 years old and invited her to the hotel for sex. The bikers group had a female posing as the teen to meet Conkright in the parking lot and then two male members of the group confronted him and called police.

Police investigated and arrested Conkright.

Bikers Against Predators members travel the United States to take action against online child predators and report them to the police. The organization has performed hundreds of these stings that have led to 395 arrests, according to its website.

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