An Arkansas football coach and his wife were caught in an online sting operation for trying to meet a very young child for sex.
They will spend the next many years in prison... Continue reading here ▶
- **Benjamin Coney**, 30 years old, used to be a minor league football coach in Little Rock.
- **Emily “Grace” Brinley**, 26 years old, is his wife.
What Did They Do?
Benjamin and Emily were charged with:
- **Internet stalking of a minor**: Trying to contact a child online.
- **Conspiracy to commit rape**: Planning to rape a child.
Their Sentences
Federal authorities sentenced them to a total of **378 months (31.5 years)** in prison without the chance of parole:
- **Benjamin Coney**:
- **210 months (17.5 years)** in prison.
- **25 years** of supervision after prison.
- **Emily Brinley**:
- **14 years** in prison.
- **15 years** of supervision after prison.
They were sentenced by **U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks**, who was appointed by President Barack Obama.
More Charges Coming
They still face additional charges at the state level:
Benjamin Coney
- Conspiracy to commit rape.
- Internet stalking of a child.
- **30 counts** related to child sexual abuse material (like possessing or sharing inappropriate images).
- His next court date is set for Tuesday.
Emily Brinley
- Conspiracy to commit rape.
- Internet stalking of a child.
- -Her next court date is on February 6, 2025.
How They Were Caught
The investigation started on **November 19, 2023**, when an undercover detective received a message from the username “centralsfinest” on a social media platform. Police believe both Benjamin and Emily used this account.
Messages Between Them
- One message said: “I’m into some very messed-up, sick taboos. Do you have any [redacted]?”
- The detective replied: “I do … Watch yourself … you’ll get banned on here.”
They then moved their conversation to a more secure, encrypted messaging app. On **November 27, 2023**, they talked more about wanting to meet someone of a specific age. Their messages became more detailed and inappropriate.
They also sent photos to prove who they were, including a photo of Emily showing her breast, which the detective said was not asked for.
Arrest and Confessions
Benjamin and Emily were arrested after agreeing to meet the undercover detective in person.
Benjamin Coney
- Admitted that he had child sexual abuse materials on his devices.
- Claimed he only talked about his plans and didn’t intend to follow through.
- Said he changed his mind multiple times.
- Blamed Emily, saying she wouldn’t have acted without him
Emily Brinley
- Said she was just trying to be a good wife.
- Claimed she wasn’t interested in children.
- Said she followed Benjamin’s lead and felt uncomfortable with the plan.
After his arrest in December 2023, Benjamin was fired from his job as a football coach. The team, called the “Punishers,” posted on social media:
“We are aware of the situation involving Ben Coney and have terminated his employment with the team. We do not support or allow his actions at all.”
