Donald Jenkins, a 37-year-old resident of Clarksville, Tennessee, has pleaded guilty to charges related to traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Jenkins confessed that he began planning his actions in September 2024 when he communicated with an individual about sexually abusing what he believed to be an 11-year-old child living in Clifton Park, New York. He rented a car in Tennessee and drove to Clifton Park for this purpose. On November 19, 2024, Jenkins was apprehended at a prearranged meeting spot after arriving there. He admitted to having taken a sexually transmitted disease test earlier that day and brought several pairs of children’s underwear as gifts.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III emphasized the commitment to prosecute such crimes: “No matter where you reside, if you try to prey on children in the Northern District of New York, we will find you, arrest you, and seek to convict you and punish you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Erin Keegan from HSI remarked on Jenkins’ intentions: “Donald Jenkins rented a car, obtained child’s underwear and STD testing kits, and traveled across state lines as part of his plan to sexually abuse someone whom he believed was an 11-year-old child. I thank personnel with HSI Albany, the Northern District of New York, and the New York State Police for consistently taking proactive steps to protect the public from predators.”
Jenkins is set for sentencing by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci on November 12, 2025. He could face up to 30 years in prison along with other penalties including fines up to $250,000 and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
The investigation was conducted by HSI and the New York State Police while Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is handling prosecution under Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating child exploitation.
