I know Fr Daniel and the parish of St John the Wonderworker quite well.  I believe that when the facts of the matter are known (as opposed to the "apology" of  those who hate religion of any kind) the facts will show that Fr. Daniel had no original intent to buy sex or sell drugs.  Homeless youth are sometimes skilled manipulators and triangulators. Used to work with them. Undercover agents are stellar at manufacturing  crime by creating, persuading, coercing, introducing  the right scenarios to trap with just enough to indict ( a word, a phrase, a promise to help is all it takes) -- that is what they are trained to do.  And Homeless youth, when they need a "favor" from the cops will narc someone they don't care about out.

Not having discussed what happened with anyone yet,  but knowing Fr. Daniel well, I believe he thought he could rescue a kid.  He has rescued plenty of people.