Kenneth Melvin Doss, a 31-year-old man from Huntsville, Alabama, pled guilty recently to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor after he convinced his 13-year-old relative in Danville, Virginia, to send him sexually explicit images and videos. The plea was announced by First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division on April 6.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address child exploitation crimes involving online communication platforms. According to court records, Doss used Facebook Messenger in July 2025 to persuade the minor victim—his cousin—to send explicit material. When she expressed concern about their familial relationship, Doss suggested they keep it secret and delete their conversations. He also sent her videos of himself masturbating and described sexual acts they could perform if they met in person.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorney Drew Inman is prosecuting the matter.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in 2006 aimed at protecting children from exploitation and abuse. The project brings together federal, state, and local resources for investigating and prosecuting individuals who exploit children while also working to identify and rescue victims.
More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
