Colin Leahy

Guide Note

Former American Idol contestant Colin Leahy was arrested on May 7, 2008 on two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Leahy had been working as a volunteer in a Brooklyn elementary school before the arrest. He had worked as a substitute paraprofessional in the 2006 - 2007 school year and after his services were no longer needed in that capacity, switched to volunteering two days a week.

Leahy allegedly sent sexually explicit text messages to boys between the ages of 10 and 12. Leahy reportedly took at least one of the 10-year-olds to the movies and asked him about his sexuality and about sexual acts.

Leahy said he was "joking" when he asked one of they boys about oral sex.

Fast Facts

1. Compared himself to Clay Aiken during season 3 American Idol tryout
2. 23 years old at time of arrest