KSDK-TV (ksdk.com)
24 June 2010
A federal judge on Thursday sentenced 59-year-old James Patrick Grady to 80 months in prison and fined him $12,500. Grady pleaded guilty in March.
Archbishop Robert Carlson says that with the case concluded, he will begin the process of removing Grady as a priest.
Prosecutors say that in July, Grady responded to ads on Craiglist offering young females of an unspecified age for sex. The ads were part of an FBI sting operation. Authorities say Grady showed up at a house, believing he was to meet a 16-year-old girl for paid sex. He was arrested there.
Investigators found more than 100 images of child pornography on Grady’s parish-issued laptop computer.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped other charges.
Archbishop Robert Carlson issued a statement following the sentencing of Reverend James Patrick Grady:
“Today, the Archdiocese of St. Louis learned that Father James Grady was sentenced to 80 months in prison after pleading guilty to a charge involving child pornography in March. Child pornography is a serious crime against the young victims who are exploited in its production. I am deeply apologetic that one of our priests was involved in viewing this material and thus contributed to the great harm caused by this form of child abuse. I will begin the process of his removal from the clerical state. The Archdiocese has not provided assistance to Fr. Grady’s legal defense in this matter since the time he pleaded guilty.
“We continue to work with our clergy, teachers, staff, coaches and volunteers to ensure the safety of the children in our care. Since 2002, more than 75,000 adults who are either employed by or volunteer in our parishes and institutions have gone through our Safe Environment Program, which requires a state background check, attendance at a Protecting God’s Children workshop and compliance with the Archdiocese of St. Louis Code of Ethical Conduct for Clergy, Employees and Volunteers Working with Minors. The program is designed not only to prevent abuse, but to help recognize abuse when it may be already occurring in a child’s life.
“We, as Catholics, believe in the sanctity of all human life from the moment of its inception to the moment of natural death. As Archbishop, I am, therefore, committed totally to protecting God’s children, and offer my deepest apologies to those who have been abused by clergy.”