As written, if chronologically correct, the age was disclosed while communicating, before he went to the hotel.
Sentence 1.) Police said Graham allegedly responded to one of the ads and engaged in a conversation with an undercover officer posing as a juvenile.
Sentence 2.) The undercover officer identified herself as a 16-year-old.
Sentence 3.) Graham and the undercover officer agreed on a price of $120 for sex, and Graham went to a Nashville hotel room.
Sentence 4.) There, he gave the undercover officer $120 and was immediately taken into custody, according to the MNPD.
So, if this was indeed the chronological order of events, and is verified, he knew she was a minor upfront and did it anyway. I'm no lawyer, but common sense tells me if the age is not revealed up front in these stings then you will be facing an entrapment argument. My guess is ages are revealed when first communicating so as not to muddy the waters by waiting till they get to hte door. Even if the age is not revealed until they reach the hotel, it would legally have to be revealed prior to exchanging money, with a chance to walk away, or it would be entrapment cut and dried. Even then, they could still arrest him on the way out for misdemeanor intent to solicit, just not felony with a minor.
You can't just go by looks for anyone even on a normal dating scene. I see 30 year olds that look and sound 13. I see 12 year olds that look and sound like mature women. It's really easy to screw up if you don't ask questions, or just behave like a decent peron at the least. One of the local middle schools had a large group in bowling last week. One of the girls was clearly over developed, and when she came to the counter to ask for something me and my partner just cut our eyes toward each other. She literally sounded like a 30 something woman. But people are sick and stupid. Graham willfully did it. These school teacher women do it all the time. Got a whole thread on those busts in the Zone or Pub. The Little House on The Prairie days of marrying at 15 are long gone.