Man Claims 13-Year-Old Tricked Him Into Predatory Chats, Demands Her Arrest

A Pittsburgh man facing charges for attempting to lure a minor has sparked controversy by claiming the 13-year-old girl should face prosecution for leading him on.

Ronald Baxter, 47, was recently exposed by the vigilante group Pittsburgh Pedo Patrol after allegedly engaging in explicit online conversations with someone he believed was a minor. Baxter insists he is the true victim, arguing the girl’s responses caused him emotional distress and public humiliation.

Baxter’s defense hinges on his assertion that the unnamed girl, who turned out to be an adult decoy operated by the vigilante group, manipulated him.

“She kept replying, acting all innocent,” Baxter testified. “I’m the one who’s hurt here. She told me she liked me and agreed to spend her life with me. She should be locked up for entrapment!”

Pittsburgh Pedo Patrol, known for conducting sting operations to catch predators, recorded Baxter’s interactions and turned evidence over to local authorities. The group’s actions have led to multiple arrests in recent months.

Prosecutors argue Baxter’s claims lack merit, as the decoy was clearly identified as a minor in their exchanges.

“This is a textbook case of predatory behavior,” said Assistant District Attorney Laura Hensley. “The defendant’s attempt to shift blame is baseless and offensive.”

Baxter’s legal team, however, has filed a motion to have charges dismissed, citing emotional damages suffered by their client. The court has yet to rule on the motion, but legal experts say it’s unlikely to succeed.

Baxter’s case has drawn attention on social media, where some users have expressed outrage at his defense strategy.

“It’s always someone else’s fault with these guys,” said local activist Sarah Coleman, who runs a child safety nonprofit. “Blaming a child, real or not, is absolutely retarded.”

Baxter remains in custody pending a hearing.

“I’m the real victim,” he told reporters for The Washington Wick outside the courthouse. “She knew what she was doing, and now my life’s ruined.”

Local Republicans have called for stronger online protections for minors, citing cases like Baxter’s as evidence of ongoing threats, but Mayor Ed Gainey called these proposals "racist" in a recent press release.

"These proposals are absolutely racist. Republicans will do anything to put innocent people behind bars," Gainey told reporters.

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