News Summary
Chattanooga attorney Patrick Bryant Hawley has reached a plea deal for the sexual exploitation of a 14-year-old girl from Pennsylvania. He intends to plead guilty, which could result in a prison sentence ranging from 15 to 30 years. Six additional charges against him will be dismissed as part of the agreement. Allegations include coercing the minor into sexually explicit conduct online. Following the charges, he has been suspended from practicing law, marking a significant fall from his previously unblemished legal career.
Chattanooga Attorney Enters Plea Deal in Sexual Exploitation Case
Chattanooga attorney Patrick Bryant Hawley has accepted a plea deal in a sex crimes case involving a 14-year-old girl from Pennsylvania. Hawley intends to plead guilty to the charge of sexual exploitation of children, which carries a minimum prison sentence of 15 years and could extend up to 30 years. In exchange for his guilty plea, six additional criminal charges against him will be dismissed.
Details of the Charges
The dismissed charges include various serious offenses such as animal crushing, coercion, enticement, receipt, possession, and distribution of child pornography. The allegations against Hawley suggest that from September to November 2024, he coerced the minor into engaging in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating images and videos. Reports indicate that their online interactions became sexual shortly after they first met. Hawley allegedly conveyed that he had no limits regarding age when it came to his sexual explicit desires.
During their exchanges, Hawley sent the minor several images and videos of himself engaging in sexual acts and bestiality. He also insisted that the minor share images of specific sexual acts, reminding her not to neglect her “daily obligation.” These actions prompted the minor to report his conduct to law enforcement after their correspondence concluded.
Plea Agreement and Potential Sentencing
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors have not guaranteed any specific sentencing for Hawley. He has also agreed to pay restitution to the victim, which may encompass counseling services or other associated expenses resulting from his actions. The details of the change of plea hearing remain unsettled, as no court date has been scheduled yet.
Legal and Professional Consequences
Hawley is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Following the allegations, the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility decided to suspend Hawley from practicing law in November. This suspension was put into effect after he initially entered no plea to the seven counts against him, which reflects a determination that he posed a substantial threat to the public.
Prior to these events, Hawley had no history of criminal charges or any record of public disciplinary actions as a practicing attorney in Tennessee, suggesting a previously unblemished career.
Conclusion
The plea deal reached by Patrick Bryant Hawley signals a significant outcome in a serious legal matter involving serious allegations of sexual crimes against a minor. As the judicial process continues, more details regarding his sentencing and the full ramifications of his actions will emerge.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Attorney Reaches Deal in Child Sex Case
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Sexual Contact with Minor
- News Channel 9: Trial Begins for Former Teacher Charged with Sexually Abusing Students
- Local 3 News: Trial Begins for Former Hamilton Co Teacher
- Wikipedia: Sexual Exploitation of Children
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
