A 67-year-old man who served as athletic director for Jefferson Parish Recreation is facing two felony counts of child sexual abuse material after Kenner police said a search of his phone turned up suspected child sexual abuse material. Timothy Patrick Collins, of River Ridge, was taken into custody this week and is being held on $100,000 bond.
According to wdsu.com, the investigation began Wednesday, October 21, after a concerned mother reported troubling communications between Collins and her 14-year-old son. As reported by FOX 8 Local First, investigators say Collins had been in contact with the boy for about a year after meeting him through other juveniles aged 14 and 16.
What Investigators Say They Found
Per the same account from FOX 8, investigators discovered photographs, meeting arrangements, and occasions when Collins allegedly provided juveniles with food and alcohol as the case developed. Detectives then obtained a search warrant for Collins's phone, and a preliminary examination of the device revealed suspected child sexual abuse material, police said.
Kenner police said they obtained a search warrant for Collins's River Ridge residence and took him into custody there, where other electronic devices were seized for the ongoing investigation, per wdsu.com's report. Collins was employed as athletic director for the Jefferson Parish Recreation department, according to police.
Parish Moves to Fire Collins
Jefferson Parish officials said they have begun termination proceedings against Collins and barred him from all Jefferson Parish facilities, the station reported. Louisiana law makes it unlawful to produce, promote, advertise, distribute, possess, or possess with intent to distribute child sexual abuse materials, according to the Louisiana State Legislature.
Investigation Continues, More Charges Possible
Detectives are examining additional electronic evidence in an effort to identify potential victims, and police said additional charges are possible as the investigation progresses. Kenner police are asking anyone with information, or anyone who believes their child had inappropriate contact with Collins, to call the Kenner Police Department at 504-712-2415.
