ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com)—
A St. Louis priest is charged with soliciting sex from a minor and his parish is now without a pastor. Authorities say Father James Patrick Grady of St. Raphael the Archangel church was arrested for allegedly trying to hire a 16 year old for sex. However, FBI agents say the "girl" he was communicating with was actually an undercover agent. Grady has posted bond of $10,000. His arraignment is scheduled for 9:00 Monday at the Federal courthouse.The U.S. Attorney's office says James Patrick Grady responded Wednesday to an ad on the internet placed by undercover agents.
Read the Affidavit: Caution - Some Explicit Material
Read the Criminal Complaint
"The advertisement indicated that young females of an indeterminate age were available," according to a release from the U.S.Attorney. After that, officials say there was a string of emails that went back and forth between Grady and the agents. Grady was told two females were available and was then sent a "morphed" photograph of a sixteen year old girl.
Officials say Grady then inquired about, "the price," and was quoted a price for a half hour and one hour with the teen. Grady allegedly responded he wanted a half hour with the girl, and emailed, "that's fine" when told she was only sixteen years old.
The documents go on to say Grady originally requested a full body massage, but when he was told the teenager wouldn't do that, he asked about kissing and another sexual act.
Grady allegedly arranged a meeting with the fictional girls, but was instead met by F.B.I agents and arrested. It was at the time of the arrest, agents say he told them he was a priest.
St. Raphael the Archangel Church in South City has been Grady's Parish since 2005. Parishioners there call Grady a nice guy, saying it's something you don't want to believe.
"It's an unfortunate incident the entire community and neighborhood," member Jeff Marshall says.
St. Raphael The Archangel Parish Website
St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson held a late afternoon news conference where he expressed concern about incidents like this breaking the trust between the church and its people.
As for Grady, he says, "If it's true, he'll never work for the Archdiocese of St. Louis again." Grady has been suspended by the Archdiocese from the pastorate pending the outcome of the investigation. The Archdiocese of St. Louis says they are not aware of any other allegations made against Father Grady.
See the News Release from the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
The formal charge against Grady is attempted sex trafficking of children.
Grady is one of three people charged in the sting operation. Matthew S. Nichol, 43, of St. Charles County was indicted July 16th and David P. Hawkey, 24, of Florissant was charged earlier this week.
Officials say each faces up to ten years to life in prison and/or fines up to $500,000.
Here is a list of Father Grady's past assignments as a Catholic Priest:
1977, June 8: Assoc. Pastor, Little Flower Parish, Richmond Heights, MO
1983, June 8: Assoc. Pastor, Assumption Parish, Mattese, Lemay,MO
1988, Feb. 4: St. Ferdinand Parish, Florissant, MO
1992, June 20: Assoc. Pastor, Basilica of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
1994, June 14: Assoc, Pastor, Holy Family Parish, St. Louis, MO
1995, Sept. 1: Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Elsberry, MO
2001, June 25: Pastor, Holy Innocents Parish, St. Louis, MO.
2005, July 5: Pastor of Saint Raphael Parish, St. Louis
