A Niles pastor has been sentenced to probation for engaging in prostitution.

According to court records, 49-year-old Aaron Newell, who was a pastor at Niles Christian Assembly was found guilty of two charges including Engaging in Prostitution and Possessing Criminal Tools. Newell pled no contest to these charges.

These charges stem from a sex sting conducted in early February of 2022 when Newell responded to an internet ad on a site used by escorts offering sex for hire. Newell offered $180 for sex.

Police seized $200 from Newell and the phone he used to arrange the meeting. 

Newell was given a concurrent sentence of 30 and 90 days in jail respectively, but the 90 days were suspended and Newell will instead be placed on probation.

Newell was ordered to pay a total of $750 in fines and a probation fee of $400.

During probation, Newell must perform 20 hours of community service within two months, make every effort to obtain and maintain employment and is prohibited from using narcotics unless prescribed by a physician.

Editor's note: The correction was that Newell was sentenced to 90 days on prostitution charges, 30 days for criminal too charges, both were suspended. We regret the error.

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