by Mark Bellinger
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Friday brought more fall out for the Metro Councilman arrested for prostitution. Councilman Brady Banks resigned as the Outreach Director of the Governor's Books From Birth Foundation.
33-year-old Metro Councilman Brady Banks was arrested after allegedly paying a female undercover officer $100 for sex. Banks represents District 4 in South Nashville. It runs along the Davidson County-Williamson County border.
Banks had aspirations to be a state senator, but his once a promising career in politics may be over or at least on a temporary hold. Now, Banks may be lucky to hold on to his city council seat.
"Well, I think he needs to resign they need to get someone with more credibility," said Nashville Resident Mike Davis.
Thursday afternoon Metro Police said they caught Councilman Banks in a prostitution sting. Police said it happened at the Spring Hills Suites Marriot in Metro Center. According to records Banks answered an ad placed by undercover Metro Police officers in the escorts section of backpage.com. Police say Banks answered it and agreed to meet a young lady who was actually an undercover cop at the motel.
"He actually paid her one hundred dollars. There was an exchange of money from him to her, and after that exchange it was clear the money was for sexual activity," said Metro Police Spokesman Don Aaron.
Officers who were monitoring the activity moved in and arrested Banks.
Banks has been a Metro Council Member since September 2011. He was also the outreach director of the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation.
On Friday, the non-profit organization released this statement:
"The board of directors for the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation has notified our office that Brady Banks has resigned effective immediately."
Several people who live in his district also called for his resignation.
"I mean that's illegal, so. No I think that should be rule number one. Illegal, you're out. You know," said resident Christy Statler.
Others have some sympathy even calling the undercover operation entrapment.
"It's no secret that the police department places ads on the Internet in attempt to dampen down prostitution activity in the city," said Aaron.
Metro has an ethics committee, but an attorney with Metro Council says the rules don't address this kind of activity.
Banks is charged with patronizing prostitution, which is a misdemeanor. He was scheduled to be in court next month. Officials said there is nothing in the Metro Charter that would force him to resign.
Councilman and his wife just had a baby a couple of months ago.
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