Byron man accused of trying to solicit sex with a minor at Robins

A Byron man is facing a federal charge for allegedly trying to set up a sexual encounter on Robins Air Force Base with a person he thought was a 13-year-old girl.

David Roberts, 44, was indicted in the Middle District of Georgia U.S. Court on Tuesday. He was charged with attempted online enticement of a minor.

He allegedly communicated online with someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl but was actually an agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations at Robins.

A criminal complaint filed on Nov. 12 says that Roberts told the "girl" he was a contracted construction worker on base. The base public affairs office confirmed that he worked there for CNA Masonry.

On Oct. 28, the complaint said, the agent posted a Craigslist ad under "casual encounters" posing as a girl named "Lisa" who lived on base. The ad was seeking someone with base access to "hang wit after school."

Roberts responded, and the two began communicating, officials said. The complaint states that "Lisa" made clear she was 13 years old on numerous occasions. Roberts, the complaint states, made sexually explicit comments about what he would like to do with her.

He arranged an Oct. 30 meeting at the Burger King on base. Agents photographed him as he entered the restaurant, looked around, ordered food and sat down.

He continued to communicate and "Lisa" again asked if he understood she was 13, the complaint stated. He responded "babe I know u are 13 and im OK with it."

Roberts arranged a meeting on Nov. 12 at what he believed was "Lisa's" residence, the complaint stated, with her parents being gone. The complaint stated he had a condom, a wine cooler and food from Burger King.

He was greeted by FBI agents who placed him under arrest and took him to the Jones County jail, where he is still being held.

Roberts' attorney could not be reached for comment.

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.

This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 5:58 PM with the headline "Byron man accused of trying to solicit sex with a minor at Robins ."