Late in December of 2013, the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force spread a net for individuals who expressed interest in having sex with a 12 year-old girl. 

One of those suspects, Neal Gray, 54, was placed in jail on $75,000 bond, because he showed up at his 'appointment' with the fictional girl supplied with ropes and various adult sex devices. At the time, Judge Karen Orzech commented that Gray was by far the most dangerous of the offenders caught in the sting.

Gray bonded out of jail, but on Tuesday in Missoula District Court, he entered an Alford plea to felony sexual abuse of children. Deputy Missoula County Attorney Jennifer Clark said Gray, along with several others, including a woman, replied to an ad in Craigslist.

"He appeared today and entered an Alford plea, meaning he is not admitting to guilt, but believes he would be found guilty at trial," Clark said. "His sentencing is set for July 6th and the plea agreement in this case has what is called a tiered offer, depending on what level that the psycho-sexual evaluation places him. He could spend as many as 40 years in prison."

 

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