COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Columbus man was arrested Wednesday morning after he was accused of sexually exploiting high school girls and coercing them into engaging in commercial sex acts.
According to the United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Ohio, 29-year-old Terrance Cummings has a criminal history of unlawful sexual conduct with minors dating back to 2016. Authorities said that Cummings is a registered sex offender.
An affidavit states that in July, the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force received information about a 16-year-old victim allegedly receiving gifts and illicit substances from Cummings in exchange for sexual acts.
Court documents state that Cummings had sex with numerous minor victims in exchange for drugs in addition to requesting nude images of them. On some occasions, Cummings would allegedly provide the drug to the minor victims before engaging in sexual acts with them.
Cummings is accused of selling or providing fentanyl, marijuana, Xanax, cocaine, acid and ecstasy.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Cummings’ apartment in August and discovered various narcotics. They also found two iPhones submerged in the water tank on the back of the bathroom toilet. The court said Cummings allegedly attempted to destroy after learning about the warrant.
The court said Cummings’ electronics and other accounts contained more than 18,000 sexual images and videos, including child sex abuse material. The investigation revealed that Cummings requested sexually explicit content in exchange for money, gifts and drugs.
Cummings is charged with sexually exploiting a minor, distributing, receiving or possessing child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor and obstruction of justice.
The federal child exploitation charge carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years and up to 50 years and the coercion and enticement charge is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.
The FBI's Cincinnati Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is looking to identify other potential victims who were involved in Cummings. Anyone with information can text 740-428-0739. You can also visit the FBI's website here.