Source: US FBI
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted RONNIE ALLEN BARTON, 48, of Canadian County, of two counts of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of commission of a sex offense by a registered sex offender, and one count of attempted receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On February 20, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a four-count Indictment against Barton, charging him with the above crimes. On June 17, 2025, a federal jury found Barton guilty on all counts.
Evidence presented at trial showed that in July 2024, an undercover FBI agent posted an online advertisement for the opportunity to meet with two fictitious, underage children—a nine-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl—for sexual purposes. Through the platform, Barton expressed interest in the ad, and over the course of several months, requested that the agent send him pornographic pictures of the girls. Ultimately, Barton arranged to meet the agent and the two fictitious girls at an Oklahoma City motel for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the girls. Barton was arrested outside of the motel on January 24, 2025, when he showed up at the appointed time and place for the meeting.
Public records reflect that Barton is a registered sex offender, with a previous 2018 felony conviction for lewd acts or indecent proposal in Canadian County District Court case number CF-2017-254.
At sentencing, Barton faces no less than 20 years and up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Joynes and Brandon Hale are prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.