Level 3 sex offender tried luring 13-year-old for sex, ‘support’ and food, DA says

KINGSTON, Mass. —A Level 3 sex offender is facing new charges and is accused of trying to lure a 13-year-old he met online for sex, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Kingston police Chief Brian Holmes said.

David M. Baxter, 56, of Hanson, pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting 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

Kingston police said they received a call Thursday night 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.

Responding officers encountered a man later identified as Baxter. Officers also met a man and woman who were part of an online organization in which 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 dating back to July 10 between Baxter and the decoy, an alleged 13-year-old, which included sexually explicit messages from Baxter, according to investigators.

Baxter was allegedly meeting up with the minor at the gas station to exchange “support” and food for sexual intercourse, according to investigators.

Baxter was arrested without incident and will return to court on Aug. 29.

According to the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board’s database, Baxter’s record dates back to 1994 and includes multiple convictions including rape of a child, indecent assault and battery on a person younger than 14 and dissemination of material harmful to minors.