Ex-Army Recruiter Admits Guilt in Anchorage Child Enticement Case

In Anchorage, Alaska, Bart Anthony Reyna, a 40-year-old former Army recruiter, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. This decision came during a change of plea hearing, following his earlier not guilty plea in June after being arrested in May.

According to federal prosecutors, Reyna initiated contact with an undercover investigator on May 16, who was posing as a 15-year-old girl. The communications became sexual quickly, with Reyna allegedly sending explicit messages and photos. Arrangements were made for a meeting on May 21 at Tikahtnu Commons in Anchorage, where law enforcement subsequently apprehended him. Reyna has been in custody since his arrest, with sentencing scheduled for February 2. Neither the defense nor prosecution commented after the hearing.