Conway couple sentenced to prison

A Family Torn: The Tragic Story of a Conway Couple’s Descent into the Dark Side of Human Depravity

For many families in Conway, Arkansas, the picture of suburban America unfolds with quiet comfort and strong community ties. Yet, for Benjamin Coney and Emily Brinley, their everyday existence was shrouded in a different reality—one that would ultimately lead them to prison and a life of shame. This story is one of tragic fall and heart-wrenching acts.

The events began unfolding in November 2023 when investigators from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office launched an undercover operation targeting individuals who used the internet to solicit minors for sexual activity. Undercover officers posed as the mothers of two young daughters, nine and four years old, respectively. It was then that Benjamin Coney, a former coach of the Arkansas Punishers minor league football team, sent messages expressing his interest in “very f***ed up taboos” involving the fictional children[1].

Coney’s messages included detailed discussions about performing sexual activities with the younger girls. He even planned a trip to meet them in Bentonville, arranging the travel itinerary with his wife, Emily Brinley. The plan was foiled when law enforcement arrested them en route, confiscating Coney’s phone and discovering 76 video files and 176 images of child sexual abuse material[1].

Indictment and Pleas

Benjamin Coney and Emily Brinley were federally indicted for their roles in these heinous crimes. Initially pleading not guilty to various charges in May 2024, they eventually changed their pleas to guilty following a plea agreement. Coney pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Emily Brinley pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor as well as aiding and abetting in this crime[1].

The couple now awaits sentencing, their lives forever marred by their actions. Benjamin Coney faces a harsh sentence of 210 months (over 17 years) in prison followed by 25 years of supervision. Emily Brinley will also serve time but the exact duration is yet to be determined by the court. Both will be required to register as sex offenders—a lifetime consequence reflecting the severity of their crimes[1].

The community in Conway is left reeling from these revelations. The actions of Benjamin and Emily Brinley have not only shattered their own family bonds but also damaged the trust that once existed among community members. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online and the importance of vigilant monitoring and reporting suspicious behavior.

The sentencing process will be followed closely by everyone involved—including law enforcement, the victims’ families, and Ben and Emily’s loved ones. As they move forward through this long and difficult journey, they will face the harsh realities of their mistakes and strive to rebuild any semblance of normalcy within their shattered lives.

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