Just before Christmas of 2013, seven individuals were caught in a sex sting operation conducted by several law enforcement agencies, including the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. 

One of those suspects, Neal Gray, 56, received a sentence of 20 years in the Montana State Prison with 15 years suspended. Deputy Missoula County Attorney Jennifer Clark said Gray received the highest bond amount by Judge Karen Orzech, $75,000, due to the fact that he brought several sex-related items to the meeting with what he thought was a 12 year-old girl, including rope, handcuffs and nipple clamps.

"Mr. Gray pleaded guilty to felony sexual abuse of children, and he was sentenced on August 31 to 20 years in prison, with 15 years suspended," Clark said. "The sentence was based on a psycho-sexual evaluation, and Mr. Gray came back as a tier-one sex offender, the level least likely to re-offend."

Also charged in the case was Christopher Cooper, who was placed on probation, but violated that order when it was discovered in April, 2015 that he had child pornography in his possession. Cooper is currently in the Missoula County Jail on $150,000 bail. His trial is set for December.

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