On Wednesday, September 26, the Alliance Police Department responded to a complaint made by the Alliance Middle School principal regarding suspicions of sexual solicitations of female students.

Upon conducting a sting operation to confirm these suspicions, Phillip Holden of Alliance was arrested for allegedly offering young female students marijuana or cigarettes in exchange for sexual acts and intercourse.

After the arrest was made, police obtained a search warrant for Holden’s apartment and recovered many items of a sexual and pornographic nature.

Holden, 21, is being charged with Sexual Assault: Use of Electronic Device, a Class ID Felony, and Enticement by Electronic Communication Device, a Class IV Felony.

If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 55 years in prison. Bail is currently set at $50,000 but he is still in custody.

By Ashley Hinker