An Arkansas couple, including a former football coach, is heading to prison for a long time after being caught in a sting operation targeting child predators. Benjamin Coney, 30, and his wife, Emily “Grace” Brinley, 26, were both sentenced to federal prison for attempting to meet with an extremely young child for sexual abuse.
Coney, who once coached minor league football in Little Rock, and Brinley were arrested after an undercover operation that resembled something out of a “To Catch a Predator” episode. Federal authorities revealed that the two have been sentenced to a total of 31.5 years behind bars. Coney will serve over 17 years, followed by 25 years of supervised release, while Brinley will serve 14 years, followed by 15 years of supervision. They were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks.
The legal troubles for the couple are far from over, as they are also facing additional state charges. Coney is dealing with accusations that include conspiracy to commit rape, internet stalking of a child, and 30 counts of possessing, distributing, or viewing child abuse material. Brinley is charged with conspiracy to commit rape and internet stalking of a child. Both have upcoming court dates, with Coney’s hearing set for Tuesday and Brinley’s for February 6, 2025.
The investigation began on November 19, 2023, when an undercover detective received a disturbing message on social media from an account called “centralsfinest.” Authorities later determined this account was being used by both Coney and Brinley. In the messages, the couple reportedly discussed “sick taboos” and mentioned a preferred “age range” in graphic detail. They eventually moved their conversation to an encrypted messaging app, where they allegedly exchanged explicit photos and more disturbing details about their intentions.
The couple even sent a verification photo of themselves to the undercover detective, with Brinley reportedly exposing herself in one of the images, although the officer did not request this. They agreed to meet with the undercover officer, leading to their arrest.
When questioned, both admitted to some degree of involvement. Coney confessed that investigators would find child sexual abuse material on his devices but claimed he never planned to act on what he said. He suggested that his wife wouldn’t have gone through with anything without him. Brinley, on the other hand, claimed she was only participating to make her husband happy and said she felt uneasy about the entire situation.
Coney’s time as a football coach is now a thing of the past. After his arrest in December 2023, the minor league football team he worked for in Little Rock, the Punishers, immediately cut ties with him, stating they do not support or condone his actions.
This case serves as another reminder of the critical role law enforcement plays in protecting vulnerable children. The couple’s sentencing marks a step toward justice, but their story is also a chilling example of the dangers lurking online.
