The Jefferson Parish Recreation Athletic Director is out of jail following his arrest Wednesday.
According to the Kenner Police Department, Timothy Patrick Collins, 67, of River Ridge, is accused of being involved in inappropriate communications with minors and being in possession of child sexual abuse material.
Collins was released from jail around 9 p.m. Thursday after posting bond.
The investigation began Wednesday, Oct. 21, when a mother reported discovering disturbing messages between Collins and her 14-year-old son.
According to police, Collins had communicated with the boy for over a year and had been introduced to other children between the ages of 14 and 16.
Kenner police said they discovered a pattern of communications that included exchanges of photographs and arrangements for meetings.
Collins is accused of providing the children with food and alcohol.
Police say Collins portrayed himself as a “trusted adult” the teens could confide in.
A search warrant was obtained for Collins’ cell phone, and police said child sex abuse material was found during the examination of the phone.
Collins was then taken into custody at his home in River Ridge, where other electronic devices were taken for the investigation.
Collins is facing two felony counts of child sex abuse material. His bond was set at $100,000.
Jefferson Parish issued a statement following the arrest.
“We were notified by law enforcement about the arrest of Jefferson Parish Parks and Recreation Department employee Timothy Collins. We are cooperating with local authorities who are investigating this matter. Given the seriousness of these charges, we have moved forward with termination proceedings, and the individual is prohibited from all Jefferson Parish facilities,” it said.
“The safety and well-being of our JPRD participants, families and employees remain our top priority. Anyone who believes their child may have had inappropriate contact with Collins, or who possesses information relevant to this investigation, is encouraged to contact the Kenner Police Department at (504) 712-2415.”
Before working for Jefferson Parish, Collins worked at St. Martin’s Episcopal and served as athletic director at Christian Brothers School for 20 years.
Christian Brothers School issued the following statement regarding Collins’ arrest:
“Tim Collins was employed at Christian Brothers School as athletic director from 1998-2018. I am communicating with Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley and unable to comment further as this matter is an Ongoing police investigation.”
Kenner police say the investigation is ongoing and detectives are still examining evidence in the case. They say additional charges could be added.
READ MORE:Jefferson Parish Recreation Athletic Director out of jail after arrest
