An accused internet sex predator was granted permission to work near children today.

Ex-Grand Junction High athletic director Johnnie Walker, who resigned after being arrested for having sexually explicit online chats with someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl, has been allowed to work on a farm near Sterling where he would be in contact with teenage boys.

The farm is owned by State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg - R, and the boys are Sonnenberg's sons - ages 13 and 17. The motion to allow Walker the ability to work near children cites that Sonnenberg and Walker are life long friends and that Sonnenberg and his father will be working the farm alongside Walker.

Walker also re-entered a plea of not-guilty. Walker faces trial in January.