By Gregory Harris –
A Taunton man is in federal custody after attempting to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a nine-year-old girl.
Paul Fredericks, 36, of Taunton, for two weeks engagd in online conversations with a person he believed to be the father of nearly a nine-year-old girl. Fredericks arranged to meet the father and, later meet his prepubescent daughter with the intent to engaging in illicit sexual activity.
What Fredericks didn’t know, he was communicating with a Rhode Island State Police Detective assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Fredericks did allegedly travel to Providence and met with the “father” of the young girl jn a parking lot on October 5. At that meeting, Fredericks allegedly discussed with the “father” ways he could prepare his daughter for sex, and suggested that they meet five days later to engage in sexual activity.
Prior to the conclusion of the meeting, Fredericks was arrested by members of the ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. Fredericks was found to be carrying a condom and lubricant in a vest pocket.
A brief forensic audit of Fredericks cell phone at the time of his arrest allegedly revealed evidence that Fredericks had received and stored images of child pornography on his phone.
Fredericks is charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor; interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct; receipt of child pornography; and possession of child pornography.
He was ordered to remain in federal custody following a preliminary and detention hearing in U.S. District Court in Providence on Tuesday.
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