The FBI has arrested a Chattanooga lawyer for crimes against children and animals

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) – A months-long investigation has led to a Chattanooga man being charged with multiple sex crimes.

According to the criminal complaint, Patrick Hawley, 42, of Lookout Mountain, was accused of telling an undercover agent in an application that he “wanted to have sexual contact with children” back in April and explained how “the best way to get married” . an agent’s daughter.

Hawley, who court documents said worked as a lawyer in Chattanooga, then told the agent that he was “vetting people,” which “refers to a place where a person can prove they’re not law enforcement by sharing a (chat) about CSAM. moderator of the room or to the whole room.”

According to the criminal complaint, federal investigators obtained video in September of Hawley sharing material in a “check-in” room before moving to another chat room and viewing other CSAMs.

In October, federal investigators said he distributed 21 videos featuring CSAM. Later that month, Hawley was contacted by an undercover FBI investigator who planned to meet to “overcome the last hurdle of trust” and share the CSAM, according to court documents.

In another case involving Hawley, the criminal complaint said the FBI received information from a 14-year-old Pennsylvania girl earlier in November after she filed an online report and told a teacher that Hawley had been sharing sexual images and videos with her online . .

Hawley then appeared for a meeting with an undercover FBI investigator on Thursday when he was arrested.

Hawley is facing federal charges of animal cruelty, child sexual exploitation, certain activities involving material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, and coercion and enticement.

Hawley’s arraignment was set for Friday, November 22.