An Oakwood man pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual abuse of children at his first court appearance Tuesday morning in Teton County, Mont., District Court, The Fairfield, Mont., Sun Times reported.

Lester Sharpton, who is accused of downloading pornographic images of underage boys onto a library computer, said he is working with family members to hire a private defense attorney. At the time of his arrest, Sharpton told the deputy he was looking at "legal gay websites," according to an affidavit.

Sharpton is listed in the Georgia sexual offender database. The Sun Times reported he was convicted in 1997 of criminal sexual contact with a minor and was on probation in Georgia until August 2002 for "enticing a child for indecent purposes." He also is listed as a sex offender in New Mexico, the arrest affidavit states.

Sharpton did not request a bail reduction at the hearing, and Judge Laurie McKinnon explained that if he were to make bail, he cannot leave Montana or have access to any device capable of storing or displaying pornographic images. He also cannot have any contact with children.

Sharpton's next scheduled appearance is Oct. 19.

Story courtesy of Darryl L. Flowers of The Sun Times in Fairfield, Mont.