Columbus cop accused of enticing teen

COLUMBUS (AP) — A Columbus police officer has been denied bond on a charge that he tried to have sex with a 15-year-old girl who attends the high school where he worked as a resource officer.

FBI agents arrested Todd Smith last week. The FBI had investigated allegations made by the student.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that the girl told the FBI she and the 49-year-old Smith had exchanged sexually explicit text messages and that he tried to persuade her to have sex with him.

He is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor.

A federal judge magistrate said Monday he wouldn’t grant bail after hearing that Smith allegedly threatened the girl, warning her not to tell anyone about their relationship.

A call to Smith’s attorney rang unanswered this morning.