KSDK
July 30, 2009
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=181441&catid=40
[Click here to read the court document detailing the alleged crime]
[Click here to read the affidavit]
KSDK — A Catholic priest is accused of trying to solicit sex from an underage girl.
57-year-old Reverend James Patrick Grady, who is the Pastor at St. Raphael's Parish in south St. Louis , was arrested and made to appear before a Federal Judge on a criminal complaint that he attempted to, "recruit, entice and obtain" an underage person that he allegedly knew would be, "caused to engage in a commercial sex act.
Click here to read the court document detailing the alleged crime
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| James Patrick Grady |
Grady made his initial appearance in federal court Wednesday morning at the Eagleton Courthouse in downtown St. Louis.
"Obviously if it's true, Father Grady will never work again in the Archdiocese of St. Louis," said Archbishop Robert Carlson.
On Wednesday, July 29, in St. Louis County, court documents were filed that show James Patrick Grady is accused by an F.B.I. Agent of, "knowingly in or affecting interstate commerce, attempt to recruit, entice and obtain a person who had not obtained the age of 18 years, and knew that the person would be caused to engage in a commercial sex act."
Grady was one of three men arrested in an undercover operation focused on people who attempt to purchase children or their services.
Officers said they received an email from Grady in response to an internet advertisement that had been placed by police. The advertisement indicated that young females of an "indeterminate" age were available. Grady was allegedly seeking more information regarding the ad. He was informed that there were two females.
In the course of the emails, Grady received a digitally morphed photograph of a 16-year old female. Grady allegedly inquired about the cost of the child depicted and was given a price for a half hour and for one hour. Grady indicated that he wanted a half hour and was told that the girl was 16 years old. Authoriteis said he indicated that was fine and set up a meeting.
The affidavit goes on to say that upon arriving at the agreed upon location, Grady met an undercover officer, and asked to see the girls. He became suspicious and attempted to leave the house and was arrested. He admitted that he did send the emails and came to the house because he was curious. He also indicated that he was employed as a priest.
"We don't have any knowledge of any past activity which would be detrimental to children," Carlson said. "But when something like this happens, you of course want to get the word out as far as you can in case there was something."
Matthew S. Nichol, 43, of St. Charles County, was indicted July 16, by a federal grand jury on two felony counts of attempted sex trafficking of children by force, fraud or coercion.
David P. Hawkey, 24, of Florissant, was charged earlier this week in a federal complaint with one violation of the same charge.
Click here to read the affidavit (Note: Details are of a graphic nature. Please be advised.)
NewsChannel 5 has learned of Grady's previous assignments:
1977, June 8: Assoc. Pastor, Little Flower Parish, Richmond Heights
1983, June 8: Assoc. Pastor, Assumption Parish, Mattese, Lemay
1988, Feb. 4: St. Ferdinand Parish, Florissant
1992, June 20: Assoc. Pastor, Basilica of St. Louis, St. Louis
1994, June 14: Assoc. Pastor, Holy Family Parish, St. Louis
1995, Sept. 1: Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Elsberry
2001, June 25: Pastor, Holy Innocents Parish, St. Louis
2005, July 5: Pastor of Saint Raphael Parish, St. Louis
KSDK
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