Marion couple convicted of enticement of minor

CEDAR RAPIDS - A 27-year-old Marion woman who solicited a 15-year-old girl through Facebook for sex, along with her husband, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court.

Jennifer Darling was convicted of one count of enticement of a minor. Her husband Michael Darling, 20, was convicted last Friday of the same charge in U.S. District Court. During the plea hearings, both admitted to persuading or enticing a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity between January and March.

Both face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. There could also be a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing hasn't been set at this time.

According to testimony during Jennifer Darling's detention hearing, the couple also sent explicit photos to the girl, who was a frequent runaway, and asked her to send them explicit photos and videos to them.

There also was evidence of Facebook messages from the Darlings to the girl about meeting her for sex, but some had been deleted, according to testimony. Initially, the girl said she was 16 but the Darlings continued to pursue her, even after knowing her real age.