56-year-old Massachusetts level 3 sex offender held without bail on charges related to enticing 13-year-old online for sex

PLYMOUTH – A level 3 sex offender pleaded not guilty to charges that he lured a 13-year-old online and attempted to meet up in-person, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz and Kingston Police Chief Brian Holmes have announced.

Friday, in Plymouth District Court, 56-year-old David M. Baxter of Hanson pleaded not guilty 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.

Thursday, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Kingston Police received a phone call from a person reporting that a registered sex offender was currently at a gas station on Summer Street, attempting to meet up with minors for sex.

Kingston Police responded and upon arrival, made contact with a man later identified as Baxter. At the scene, police also 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 a large packet of printed information which included 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 10th. Baxter was allegedly meeting up with the minor at the gas station in-person to exchange “support” and food for sexual intercourse. Baxter was met by the group which led to the police being called. Baxter was arrested without incident.

Baxter was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for August 29.