PLYMOUTH — A Level 3 sex offender pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that he lured a 13-year-old online and attempted to meet up in-person, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Kingston Police Chief Brian Holmes announced.
David M. Baxter, 56, of Hanson, pleaded not guilty in Plymouth District Court to one count each of attempt to commit a crime, enticement of a child under the age of 16, and trafficking of a person under 18 for sexual servitude.
He was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Aug. 29.
Wednesday at approximately 9:40 p.m., Kingston Police received a phone call from a person reporting that a registered sex offender was at a gas station on Summer Street, attempting to meet up with minors for sex.
Kingston Police responded and made contact with Baxter upon arrival.
At the scene, police were approached by a man and woman who were part of an online organization where adults pose as minors online to expose child predators.
The man provided police with printed information including screenshots, Instagram messages, and photos that were part of online exchanges between Baxter and the decoy, an alleged 13-year-old, which included sexually explicit messages from Baxter.
The online conversations began on or about July 10.
Baxter was allegedly meeting up with the minor at the gas station to exchange “support” and food for sexual intercourse.
Baxter was met by the group, which led to police being called.
Baxter was arrested without incident.
