Columbia man accused of trying to pay teenager for sex in Pettis County

SEDALIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was charged on Tuesday in Pettis County after authorities say he attempted to pay a teenager for sex.

Larry David Craig III, born in 1994, was charged with patronizing prostitution of a person older than 14 years old and younger than 18 years old. A warrant was issued for his arrest on Wednesday. A court date has not been scheduled.

According to the probable cause statement, Craig allegedly messaged the victim on July 25, 2023, through Facebook Messenger, in order to set up a drug deal. Instead of money, Craig requested nude photos from the youth.

Court documents stated that Craig then offered the victim money for sex. The victim allegedly told law enforcement that Craig had physically tried to get them to perform sexual acts after he allegedly bought the victim alcohol for a New Year’s Eve party.

The probable cause statement says that law enforcement has attempted to call Craig multiple times, but has not been able to speak with him.