Bail has been reduced for one of the six local men nabbed in a sex sting operation earlier this summer.
Christopher Paul Adams, 37, appeared in Flathead County District Court on Nov. 13, where his bail was reduced from $100,000 to $25,000.
All six men nabbed in the sex sting are charged with felony sexual abuse of children and are each individually scheduled to stand trial this winter.
Adams allegedly communicated with Internet Crimes Against Children agents who were posing as someone advertising sex with a 12-year-old girl from Aug. 18 through Aug. 20. Charging documents outline some of the sexually explicit conversations about the girl, including discussions about her virginity.
Investigators say that Adams requested an address to meet with the girl for sexual acts on Aug. 20, and was confronted by officers upon his arrival. Officers reported finding condoms, lubricant, and a sex toy on Adams’ person when he arrived, and he allegedly admitted to sending the texts and emails about having sex with the 12-year-old.
During Thursday’s bail modification hearing, Adams’ mother and uncle testified on his behalf. Both people argued that Adams would never hurt a child and said they believe he had gone to the house in order to save the girl.
Prosecutors said if Adams wanted to help the girl he should have called law enforcement. They also noted that while agents posing as the girl asked him to bring two condoms and lubricant, he brought the sex toy on his own. His attorney, John Quatman, argued that he had that because Adams was going to see his girlfriend later that day.
“He’s not a danger to the victim because there is no victim, she didn’t exist,” Quatman said. “And he’s not a danger to the community because he has no previous record.”
Judge Robert Allison reduced Adams bail to $25,000 and said upon release he had to reside with his mother, be subject to house arrest and GPS monitoring, and could not be alone with children.
Felony sexual abuse of children carries a maximum penalty of 100 years in prison and a maximum fine of $50,000. Offenders are also required to successfully complete the educational, cognitive and behavioral phases of a sexual offender treatment program.