by Heather Graf
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - On Tuesday night, the Metro Councilman caught last week in a prostitution sting made his first public appearance since his arrest. Brady Banks slipped into the meeting a few minutes late, and left just as quietly as he came.
He's charged with patronizing prostitution, after Metro Police said they caught him in a sting they set up at the Spring Hills Suites Marriott in Metro Center.
Investigators had placed an ad in the escorts section of backpage.com. They said Banks answered it and agreed to pay $100 to a young woman in exchange for sex. Police said he did not know at the time, that woman was an undercover police officer.
When Banks entered council chambers, he arrived just late enough to avoid any pre-meeting questions from the media. He was greeted first with a hug from Councilwoman Megan Barry.
"I just wished him well and told him I was glad to see him, and that I hoped him and his family were doing well," said Barry.
Banks sits next to Councilman Scott Davis, who said they exchanged just a few words.
"We talked about some of the bills, just normal council chit chat," Davis said.
He said he doesn't condone Davis' behavior, but he was happy to see him.
"I'm glad he was here, because I think the best thing is to always face your problems, no matter what happens," he said.
There's been a public outcry from a few of Banks' constituents for him to step down, but Barry feels the timing is not right for that conversation.
"I still believe that now is not the right time," she said. "I think we need to give him and his family some time and some space to figure this out, and then Councilman Banks needs to figure out what he needs to do."
Banks himself did not address the issue. In fact, he didn't say anything. He slipped out just as everyone's attention in the room turned to two resolutions regarding John Arriola.
There is nothing in the Metro Charter that would force him to resign.
Two weeks ago, he stood in council chambers with his wife and infant son. His wife, who is a minister, led council in the prayer that always begins their meetings.
Two weeks from today, he will go before a judge for the first time.
email: hgraf@newschannel5.com
