Columbus man is facing federal charges for allegedly exploiting high school students

Federal agents have arrested 29-year-old Columbus man Terrance P. Cummings on charges of sexually exploiting underage high school students, following a series of allegations that he coerced them into commercial sex acts in exchange for drugs and gifts; This development comes as a surprising blow to the local community, where Cummings is already known for his criminal sexual history with minors. Cummings, who was convicted in 2016 of unlawful sexual conduct with minors, now faces a new set of charges, including a federal child exploitation charge with a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a possible maximum of 50 years, and a separate charge of coercion and forced labor. temptation that could result in a life sentence, according to a release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.

In one case detailed in court documents, Cummings’ alleged exchanges — drugs and gifts for sex acts — involved a 16-year-old victim. Agents discovered several narcotics in his apartment and also seized two iPhones that Cummings attempted to destroy by submerging them in his toilet’s water tank, which he allegedly did in an ill-conceived attempt to evade law enforcement after the issuance of the search warrant in August. Individuals with possible information regarding Cummings’ activities are urged to come forward and can contact the FBI anonymously by texting 740-428-0739 as the investigation is still active and unfolding .

Electronic devices seized from Cummings’ home revealed more than 18,000 sexual images and videos, a disturbing collection that included child pornography. Federal authorities also discovered evidence that he traded these materials for money, drugs and other forms of compensation. These findings have led to allegations of not only sexual exploitation and coercion, but also distribution, receipt or possession of child pornography, along with obstruction of justice; Cummings made his first appearance in federal court today at 1:15 p.m.

The partnership in this expanded investigative task force, led by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, includes numerous agencies such as the Columbus Division of Police, Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI. It also includes support from community-based agencies such as the Salvation Army and Southeast Healthcare reflects a coordinated effort to address the multifaceted nature of human trafficking, and includes prosecution and law enforcement expertise from both state and federal levels to address these types of sensitive , manage complex matters.