Family defends man accused of offering 13-year-old money for sex

LAVEEN, AZ - The family of a Valley man accused of offering to pay a 13-year-old girl for sex is speaking out

Alex Trusler, 42, is charged with child molestation and child prostitution. 

"He's a nice person, family oriented, hardworking man," said Kathleen Pilalas, Trusler's grandmother.

But now this family man is facing some serious charges.

Trusler is accused of sexually assaulting two young girls. According to court documents, police started to investigate Trusler after a 13-year-old accused him of offering her money in exchange for sex some time between January 2010 and January 2011.

"That's baloney! The only time Alex offered her money is when they put up Christmas ornaments up in the garage," Pilalas said.

Trusler is also accused of molesting an 11-year-old girl. Trusler reportedly admitted to investigators that he touched her chest. But despite that confession, Kathleen Pilalas still stands behind her grandson.

"I don't feel there is any basis to the accusations. He is not the type of person to do that," Pilalas told ABC15.

Pilalas believes the 13-year-old isn't telling the truth.

"I believe she's a chronic liar," Pilalas said.

And now this accusation has torn apart a family.

"It's a very terrible hardship. We thought it was all over, then they arrested him a year later,” Pilalas said.