A South Dayton man has pleaded guilty to enticement and having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced Thursday that Ronald A. Howard, 59, entered the plea before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. It carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Between March 16 and April 10, 2024, Howard, then 57-years-old, communicated via text messaging and Snapchat with a 14-year-old female, during which the two engaged in sexual conversation and discussed meeting to engage in sexual activity. Howard knew the victim was 14. During the conversation, Howard asked the Victim to send him a naked picture, which she did. Subsequently, Howard and the victim met on two occasions and engaged in sexual activity.

On June 16, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Howard’s residence, during which he admitted to communicating with and having sex with the victim. Howard also admits to having sexual communications with a 13-year-old female from Arkansas and receiving sexually explicit images from her. In addition, analysis of a cellular telephone seized from Howard revealed sexual communications with an 11-year-old female and her 14-year-old sister.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 6, before Sinatra.