Priest accused of patronizing prostitute under 18, possessing cocaine
EUGENE, Ore. - A Eugene man who works as an English instructor and serves as a priest at a local church faces prostitution and drug charges after police conducted a sting operation posing as a juvenile.
The investigation started with the arrest of the juvenile for prostitution, Eugene Police said.
Investigators determined that Daniel James Mackay, 42, had contact with the juvenile on more than one occasion.
"Police conducted a sting operation and exchanged information with Mackay, posing as the minor and arranged to meet him on October 12," police said.
Police met with Mackay and arrested him on charges of Purchasing Sex with a Minor, Sexual Misconduct, Patronizing a Prostitute, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, Unlawful Possession of Cocaine and Using a Minor in a Controlled Substance Offense.
A police spokesperson declined to release the age or gender of the minor involved in the case.
Lane Community College confirmed that Mackay is a part-time instructor in the English department. A spokesperson declined further comment.
Mackay is listed as a member of the clergy on the website of St. John the Wonderworker Orthodox Church.
A person who answered the phone at the church asked a reporter to call back Friday.
The church's website says Mackay was ordained as a deacon in 2009 and as a priest in 2011.
This is a developing story. This story will be updated
