MISSOULA – A 28-year-old University of Montana student was arrested after showing up for what he thought was going to be a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl.
The Missoulian reports Shane Matthew Maxey is charged with sexual abuse of children.
Prosecutors say Maxey began online conversations with the “girl” on Jan. 27. He was actually chatting with detective Chris Shermer.
Court records say Shermer gave Maxey at least two “exit opportunities” Tuesday before he made a plan to meet the girl outside a grocery store.
Police say Maxey told them he knew it was wrong to have sex with a 14-year-old and that he thought “the book should be thrown at him.”
Maxey appeared in Justice Court Wednesday, where his bail was set at $50,000. He remained jailed Thursday morning.