Just in case you needed any more proof that American Idol auditions are the gateway to the American prison system, we give you Colin Leahy. At the age of 19, he tried out for American Idol. He didn't make it, and now spends his time volunteering at a Brooklyn elementary school. Leahy, now 23, was arrested Wednesday for sending sexually provocative text messages to a 12-year-old male student and for propositioning a 10-year-old boy. According to the Brooklyn D.A.'s office, he’s been charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Leahy endangered the welfare of America’s ears on the third season of American Idol with his monotone rendition of (the now ominous-sounding) "One Step Closer."

"I like to make people happy and smile," he said during his audition. Leahy also compared himself to Clay Aiken, saying, “I’m also a camp counselor.” (Eek!)

Acerbic Idol judge Simon Cowell, naturally, hated him immediately and told him as much. "Well, Colin, that is just about as bad as it can possibly get.” Oh, honey, you don't even know. —Noelle Hancock

Fallen 'Idol' Sent Sex Text to Boys [NYP]