Honk News (Little Rock, AK) – An Arkansas football coach and his wife, caught in an online child sex abuse sting operation while attempting to meet an underage child for illicit purposes, have discovered their fate: a lengthy prison sentence ahead.
According to court documents, Benjamin Coney, 30, and Emily “Grace” Brinley, 26, face allegations of one count each related to internet stalking of a minor and conspiracy to commit rape. Coney previously served as a minor league football coach in Little Rock before becoming involved in a sting operation.
Federal authorities have revealed that a total of 378 months in prison has been handed down, with no chance for parole. Coney received a sentence of over 17 years — specifically 210 months — in prison, along with 25 years of supervised release, while Brinley was handed a 14-year prison term, followed by 15 years of supervision. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks, appointed by Barack Obama, delivered the sentences.
Local reports indicate that Coney and Brinley still have ongoing legal matters, as they face additional state charges.
Court documents reveal that Coney is facing serious allegations, including conspiracy to commit rape, internet stalking of a child, and a staggering 30 counts related to the distribution, possession, or viewing of child sex abuse material, as reported by KFSM. The upcoming hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Brinley is currently dealing with serious allegations, including conspiracy to commit a crime and online harassment of a minor, with her next court appearance scheduled for February 6, 2025.
In Benton County, redacted affidavits of probable cause reveal that an investigation was initiated on November 19, 2023, following an undercover detective’s receipt of a direct message from a user named “centralsfinest” on an undisclosed social media platform. Authorities claim that the username is associated with both Coney and Brinley.
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Subsequently, the pair reportedly proposed that the discussion shift to a secure messaging platform. On November 27, 2023, the communication persisted securely, with the couple reportedly stating their preference for a specific “age range” and referring to an unidentified number as “the perfect age,” as detailed in the affidavit. The documents outlining the probable cause further reference additional communications that contain increasingly graphic and detailed accounts of child sexual abuse.
The affidavits further claim that Coney and Brinley submitted verification photographs of themselves as asked by the undercover officer — one of which featured Brinley revealing one of her breasts, a detail noted by the detective as being unnecessary.
Authorities apprehended the duo following their arrangement to rendezvous with the covert investigator.
During individual interviews, the couple reportedly acknowledged differing levels of responsibility.
The affidavit reveals that Coney admitted investigators “would find child sexual abuse material on his devices.” The male defendant reportedly indicated that although he could boast confidently over the phone, he doubted he would follow through with any actions in reality. He consistently claimed to have reconsidered his stance. When questioned by the detective about particular supposed remarks concerning the children he thought were at the site, Coney reportedly stated that his wife wouldn’t have acted without his involvement.
Brinley reportedly acknowledged that her involvement was not primary.
The woman on trial expressed that her primary desire was to bring joy to her husband, while also indicating her unease regarding the dubious nature of the meeting.