McKinney, Texas - Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced the sentencing of Brent Lane Allen, 55, of Dallas, after a Collin County jury found him guilty of Online Solicitation of a Minor and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Allen was sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison for Online Solicitation of a Minor and the maximum 10 years in prison for Possession of a Controlled Substance. The sentences will run concurrently.
The Crime
On April 10, 2024, a multi-agency regional task force conducted an undercover operation targeting online sexual predators. Allen responded to a Craigslist advertisement posted by an undercover Texas DPS Special Agent that featured an image appearing to be an underage girl and a phone number.
Allen was informed that the supposed “girl” was 14 years old, but he continued the conversation, sending explicit text messages, detailing planned sexual acts, and arranging to meet that same night. Allen drove approximately 40 minutes from Dallas to a Collin County park. He arrived at the meeting location at 9:30 p.m. and was subsequently arrested.
Upon arrest, Allen was found to be in possession of 2.5 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm. A search of Allen's phone revealed the Craigslist photo, the explicit messages, and additional communications regarding narcotics, firearms trafficking, and the solicitation of prostitution.
Trial and Sentence
Following a three-day trial, the jury convicted Allen of both Online Solicitation of a Minor and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Prosecutors presented evidence of four prior felony drug convictions in Dallas County.
Judge Jennifer Edgeworth sentenced Allen to the statutory maximums of 20 years and 10 years, to run concurrently. By state law, Allen is also required to register as a sex offender for life.
