A Sylvania man who volunteered as a cross country coach at Arbor Hills Junior High School was convicted yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court of using the Internet to try to lure a 14-year-old female team member for sex.

Jeffrey Boyst, 22, of Sylvania, entered an Alford plea to one count of importuning. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but pleads guilty to a lesser charge to escape more severe penalties had the case gone to trial.

In return for the plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a charge of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor and not to pursue additional charges against the defendant for other alleged crimes being investigated by the sheriff's department and Perrysburg police.

Judge Ruth Ann Franks found Boyst guilty. He faces a potential one-year prison sentence and $2,500 fine when he is sentenced April 22. A hearing will be held at sentencing to determine a mandatory sexual classification for Boyst.

Boyst was arrested Oct. 30 after Sylvania police seized a computer at his home at 7364 Gail Dr.

Detective Mike Yunker said numerous images of suspected juveniles engaged in sexual activity were found on the computer.

The investigation was launched after parents of a young girl went to police after reading instant messages between their daughter and the defendant in which he solicited her for sex.

Detective Yunker said Perrysburg police were investigating an accusation made by a 15-year-old girl who alleged that the defendant had solicited her for sex via the Internet.

At yesterday's hearing, Tracy Sniderhan, an assistant Lucas County prosecutor, told Judge Franks that authorities had received a complaint alleging that Boyst inappropriately touched a young girl in 2002.

However, any charges that could have resulted in the cases will not be pursued.

Boyst was convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct in Sylvania Municipal Court in March, 2003.

First Published March 18, 2004, 10:39 a.m.