ST. LOUIS (CN) - A priest is among the three men charged with sex trafficking of children. James Patrick Grady, 57, faces federal charges of attempted sex trafficking of children by force, fraud or coercion.
On July 29, Grady allegedly answered an email placed by undercover law enforcement officials that indicated that minor girls were available for sex. Prosecutors say Grady was sent a digitally altered photo of a 16-year-old girl. Grady allegedly asked for a price for a half hour and an hour, and indicated that he wanted a half hour with the 16-year-old. He was arrested when he arrived at an agreed upon location.
Grady admitted sending the emails and came to the house because he was curious, court papers state.
Matthew S. Nichol, 43, and David P. Hawkey, 24, were arrested in the same operation.
Nichol faces two counts of attempted sex trafficking of children by force, fraud or coercion and Hawkey faces one count of the same charge.
Each charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
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