Michael T. Cowley, a 38-year-old Shawnee man, admitted that he posed as a 19-year-old girl named “Ashley” on Facebook and traded a photo of a naked girl that he found on the Internet to young boys in exchange for nude photos of the boys. Oh, and he tried to convince them to engage “in sexual activities,” too.
Prosecutors say Cowley was an employee of the Olathe School District, teaching a computer class at Brentwood Elementary School in Overland Park. He also coached boys’ baseball and basketball teams and drove a bus for the California Trail Junior High in Olathe.
Cowley also worked at the Jewish Community Center, directing a summer sports camp for first through sixth graders (boys and girls).
In February, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that a 13-year-old boy in Battle Ground, Washington, had traded nude photos with a Facebook user who claimed to be a 19-year-old girl named “Ashley” in Overland Park, Kansas. A total of 11 children reported to police that they received nude photos of “Ashley” — and seven boys told police that they sent nude photos of themselves to “Ashley.”
Prosecutors say “Ashley” had 696 friends on Facebook, and among them were children from sports teams coached by Cowley. Investigators traced the account back to Cowley through Internet accounts. A search of Cowley’s home turned up nude photos of boys and girls as well as photos of minors engaged in sexual acts.
Cowley’s sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2010. He faces between 15 and 30 years in federal prison. ::: SOURCE:::
Pornographiliac says: < look at his name! He can’t be serious.
Gimmie a break! Was there really a crime committed here? Was anyone harmed? The answer to both of those questions is “No” and law enforcement should be ashamed for wasting our tax dollars on this silliness. This guy didn’t take these pictures or force anyone to send them to him. He tricked them into sending pics, but was anyone harmed? If “19 year-old Ashley” was a real person would she be prosecuted this severely? I doubt it, so why bother prosecuting this guy? <<This guy is really gunning for douchebag of the fuckin year…That is of course if this simple-minded heartless son of a bitch dies or suddenly gets a clue….
typical overreaction says:
Typical overreaction. People have been impersonating other genders online for over a decade. It’s not that big a deal and CERTAINLY NOT worth jailing someone for 15-30 years. Um, current rate for housing a prisoner is $30K per year, so taxpayers are going to pay between $450,000 and $1,000,000 to punish someone for receiving photos of boys? WTF? What about all of the other people that the boys probably also sent photos to? Jail them to. c’mon… < I’d like to be the first to volunteer to kick this monkey in the nuts.
kajani500 Said:
on October 22, 2009 at 4:37 pm
1st – I will gladly donate shoe leather to help you in said ass-kicking…I will even sacrifice a heel for the children…
2nd- Yes, you bama-ass backwoods “she’s my sister & my stepmaw” moron (the first guy)…if it was a 19yr old girl soliciting naked pics from a 13yr old, she’d be in jail too! Over 18? You’re going to jail!
3rd- If one of my son’s coaches/teachers/anybody was trying to trick my son into giving up pics o his goodies for their sick fascination, I’d go straight for the dangly parts on that bastard w/a razor blade and some lemon juice.
4th- This is why you don’t give 12yr olds webcams & picture phones! wtf is with these little kids sending naked pics online anyway?? Parents – monitor ya damn kids!!
**taking a breath** I think I’m done.
minista Said:
on October 22, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Kajani…Tell Em why you mad son!!!!!…..man I sooo feel you.
Kya Said:
on October 22, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I will gladly lend my might and my husband’s steel toe boots to kick him in the nuts.
RazzleDazzle Said:
on October 22, 2009 at 11:32 pm
*hangs head in shame* This is my neck of the woods…Kansas. Don’t want you gettin’ on a plane to the wrong place to dole out that ass whooping.
minista Said:
on October 23, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Raz…thanks for the correction…I woulda been pissed. lmao!
Wilfredo Said:
on October 23, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Hey, to those defenders out there? Chris Hanson will see you REAL SOON!
They always seem to fall for the same trick, don’t they?