A La Plata County man arrested in connection with a child sex sting was given 18 months probation Friday.

Rory Schmier, 49, pleaded guilty to criminal impersonation and soliciting for prostitution in a plea agreement with the 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

It was a more favorable plea agreement than what other men nabbed in the sex sting received, in part because the evidence suggests Schmier thought he was agreeing to meet an adult prostitute, not a 14-year-old girl.

He will not have to register as a sex offender or receive sex offender treatment as a result of the plea agreement.

“There were different circumstances,” said his Durango defense lawyer, Stephen Wells. “This guy (Schmier) said a number of times he wasn’t interested in young girls.”

A psychologist who evaluated Schmier also said he doesn’t appear to have sexual interest in children.

Schmier declined to make a statement to the court before sentencing.

Six men were arrested in connection with the sex sting, which was conducted from April 25-27 to lure people in the Four Corners interested in paying for sexual encounters with minors.

The sting was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with assistance from local law enforcement, including the Durango Police Department and the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office.

The online postings seemed to suggest a 19-year-old woman was looking for a romantic encounter. But a Homeland Security agent testified the message contained subtle clues to those looking to solicit underage sex partners.

One advertisement, posted on Backpage.com, was titled, “pretty young blossoms ☺ ☺ ☺ - 19.”

“Hey guys! Krissy here!!! Looking for very open minded no b.s. gentlemen for some fun in Durango!!!! We know how to please!!!! Text for details,” the ad reads.

Once men responded to the ads, undercover agents pretended to be the mother of two girls, ages 11 and 14, and offer to let the men have sex with them – one for $125 per hour or both for $225 for a full hour.

Those arrested went to different lengths in carrying out the crimes: After arranging a meeting location in town, some men got cold feet and drove away, while others exchanged money in a hotel parking lot.

Text messages exchanged between Schmier and undercover agents suggest he was somewhat confused by the suggestion of sex with children.

In one text message, Schmier wrote: “The ad says your (sic) 19?”

A day later, he asked to see a photo of the person who was texting. Agents sent him a photo, to which Schmier wrote, “Nice. You don’t look 41... lol.” The agents responded, “not 41, im 35.”

Schmier responded, “35 is perfect. Defanitely (sic) game for that.”

But agents persisted in offering sex with the girls, and Schmier finally agreed to a meeting.

In the parking lot at Best Western Durango Inn & Suites, Schmier expressed concern about the risk involved. He said he had the money, but before any money was exchanged, he walked away and was arrested in the parking lot.

shane@durangoherald.com