A Columbus man, who is a registered sex offender, has been convicted of new sex crimes involving children.
Thomas Sweeney, 48, was convicted of charges including production of child pornography, attempted coercion/enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography and commission of a sex offense while registered as a sex offender.
According to court records, Sweeney enticed a 14-year-old girl to take sexually explicit pictures and send them to his phone. He also attempted to coerce the minor into engaging in sexual activity using his phone.
He is facing 25 to 50 years in prison for the production of child pornography charge. Another 15 to 40 years for coercion of a minor.
Since Sweeney was a registered sex offender, the conviction includes a 10-year sentencing enhancement to be served consecutively with his other sentences.
Sweeney was convicted in 2004 on two counts of rape involving a minor. He was sentenced to two consecutive terms of five years in prison.
