A Dallas man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being caught in an anti-pedophile sting operation by a Texas Department of Public Safety agent.
Brent Lane Allen, 55, faces the maximum of 20 years in prison for online solicitation of a minor, and the maximum of 10 years for possession of a controlled substance, the Collin County District Attorney’s office announced December 2.
Allen was convicted for sending sexually explicit texts, then trying to meet in a Collin County park with someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl, but was really a Texas DPS special agent.
“When any man, much less a convicted felon, seeks out a 14-year-old for sex and drives here to do it, that person is a danger to every child in our community,” said Collin County DA Greg Willis in a press release.
A multi-agency regional task force launched an undercover operation to net online sex predators on April 10, 2024, according to the release. Allen responded to a Craigslist ad, which an undercover Texas DPS agent posted, showing what appeared to be an underage girl and a phone number.
“Allen quickly asked the ‘girl’s’ age, learned she was supposedly 14, and continued – sending explicit text messages, describing planned sexual acts, and arranging a meeting that night,” the release reads.
Allen drove 40 minutes from Dallas to a Collin County park, arriving at 9:30 p.m. Law enforcement quickly arrested him and found he had 2.5 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded gun.
“A search of Allen’s phone revealed the Craigslist photo, the explicit messages, and numerous additional texts about narcotics, firearms trafficking, and solicitation of prostitution,” the release reads.
Deputies with the Collin County Sheriff’s Office arrested him that night, according to court records. Allen was charged with online solicitation of a minor/sexual conduct, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Allen’s case went to trial on November 17, 2024, in the 219th District Court in Collin County. A jury found him guilty of soliciting a minor and possessing a controlled substance, but not guilty on the firearms charge.
During the three-day trial, prosecutors also proved Allen had four previous felony drug convictions in Dallas County, according to the release. Judge Jennifer Edgeworth sentenced Allen to the statutory maximums to run concurrently. He must also register as a sex offender for life.
“My office will keep locking up predators like this because protecting our kids is non-negotiable,” Willis said.
