Missoula man denies sexual abuse charge

MISSOULA — A 47-year-old man on parole for rape and sexual abuse of children has denied a charge that he posted an online ad seeking sex with “young, skinny” males.

Donald Gary Town of Missoula pleaded not guilty to sexual abuse of children during a District Court hearing in Missoula on Thursday. He remains jailed with bail set at $100,000.

Prosecutors say an undercover officer, posing as a 14-year-old boy, responded to the ad.

Charging documents say the messages between the officer and Town became increasingly more sexual in nature and on Sept. 23, Town asked if they could meet. Town was arrested near the meeting site.

Court records say Town told officers he was “grooming” the supposed teen.

Town has been designated a Level 3 sex offender, a category for those considered most likely to re-offend.