SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 2, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — A local clergyman has been placed on leave after Salt Lake City police say he patronized a “prostitute” in what turned out to be a sting operation.
Andrjaz Skrzypiec, 62, pastor of the Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, was taken into custody on Aug. 24, in the area of 200 North and 900 West, according to a probable cause statement. Charges were filed on Sept. 24.
In August, two female SLCPD officers, whose last names are Roop and Palmer, “were working in an undercover capacity posing as street prostitutes targeting ‘johns,'” the statement says. Roop said Skrzypiec was driving around the area, making eye contact with her, then pulled over.
Officer Roop said she walked over and asked Skrzypiec if he was looking for a date.
“Skrzypiec stated he was, and told Officer Roop to get in the vehicle,” the probable cause statement says.
Roop declined to get in the vehicle, and told Skrzypiec there were too many cops in the area.
The two agreed on a sex act, a price, and a nearby motel as the location, the statement says. She then gave the “done deal” sign to fellow officers, who made a traffic stop on Skrzypiec.
“Skrzypiec denied making a sex deal and claimed he was in was in the area to get a taco from the taco stand,” the probable cause statement says.
Skrzypiec is on “temporary leave,” according to a note on the diocese website.
