Federal officials say a Bedford man was arrested Wednesday for sexual exploitation of a minor and attempted enticement.

James Collins, 67, attempted to persuade what turned out to be an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old boy to meet the defendant to engage in sexual activities, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Collins, who has been named in lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of children, was previously charged in November 2023 by New Castle police with criminal sexual act in connection with that incident. He was out on bail at the time of the arrest.

Collins faces lawsuits under the state Child Victims Act.

Nearly two dozen men have also claimed Collins sexually harassed or sexually abused them from 1968 until the early 1990's at local camps, town sports and schools in Mount Kisco and Chappaqua.