Friday, January 31, 2014

The Devens Deviant

"Devens man allegedly solicited teen via Web; Suspect, 50, is arrested in Indiana" by Anne Steele |  Globe Correspondent, January 20, 2014

A Devens man was arrested in Indiana for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl he met on the Internet in 2009, according to Indiana State Police.

David M. Walsh, 50, was arrested Friday after a nearly four-year investigation that was complicated by his use of an alias, police said in a statement.

Indiana State Police started an investigation Jan. 31, 2010, for an incident of sexual misconduct with a minor that took place on or about Nov. 29, 2009, in Washington County , which is in southern Indiana. Police said Walsh met a 14-year-old girl on the Internet and “gained her confidence.”

Using the alias David M. Walls, he allegedly arranged to meet the girl at an address on North Franklin School Road in Washington County, where the two had sex, police said.

Walsh, who was 46 at the time, knew the girl was 14 years old, police said.

He “was using the alias David M. Walls in his effort to go undetected by police,” the statement said.

Because of the alias and false addresses, police said they were not able to immediately identify Walsh as the predator. But investigators said Walsh continued to contact the girl, and police collected numerous mailed items and communications. In October 2013, police identified David M. Walls as Walsh, officials said.

Earlier this month, police received a tip that he would be in Indiana to meet with the girl, who is now 18, and her family. Police located and arrested Walsh in Borden, Ind., and charged him with sexual misconduct with a minor, child solicitation, and inappropriate communication with a minor.

He was being held Sunday at the Washington County Jail in Indiana while awaiting his first court appearance.

Police said there could be additional victims and asked anyone who knows or has come in contact with Walsh in person or online to contact the Indiana State Police….

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