Ohio man admits to traveling to Parkersburg for illegal sexual acts

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An Ohio man pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges related to traveling to Parkersburg to engage in sexual acts with a minor.

Donald E. Ward, 59, of Logan, Ohio, admitted to talking with a minor in January through social media and text messaging. Ward traveled to Parkersburg in February to meet with the person, whom he believed was a 14-year-old girl. Upon his arrival, Ward learned the minor was an undercover law enforcement officer.

Ward faces up to 30 years in federal prison. After he is released, Ward will be required to serve at least five years and up to life under supervised release and register as a sex offender.

Ward is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 11.





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