An ethics board is working to determine the final discipline for a Chattanooga attorney sentenced to more than 28 years in prison for a sex crimes case, officials announced.
Patrick Bryant Hawley, who pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children, continues to be suspended from practicing law until further notice, according to a Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee press release.
He coerced a 14-year-old Pennsylvania girl into engaging in sexually explicit conduct to produce images and videos of that conduct from September to November 2024, according to his plea agreement. Prosecutors dropped six other counts against him, including animal crushing, coercion, enticement and child pornography distribution.
A criminal complaint also accused him of telling undercover federal agents he wanted to form a relationship with a female pedophile and was looking forward to raising little girls for sex.
Hawley has been suspended from practicing law since November 2024 because he posed a threat to the public, the Board of Professional Responsibility previously announced.