An elderly Libby man is accused of exposing himself to several young children.

John Avery Paxson, 76, was arraigned Oct. 28 and pleaded not guilty to one felony count of indecent exposure to a minor in Lincoln County District Court.

Paxson is being held in the county detention center on $45,000 bail.

According to the charging document, county deputy Cody DeWitt was called to a location on Park Street in Libby after a woman reported an elderly man had exposed himself to her children, none over the age of 8. The woman said her kids were playing on a trampoline when the oldest child told her dad that “Johnny” was standing in the back window of his home with his genitals exposed and was touching himself.

The woman and a friend said Johnny is sitting in a chair near the camper, watching the kids play on a consistent basis. They said he becomes intoxicated and sometimes makes inappropriate comments. They also said the defendant asked one of the children if they would marry him.

They said the behavior is consistent and makes families in the area uncomfortable. In addition, a friend of the mother said Paxson came to her home, wearing only a Speedo. She reported the incident.

DeWitt then spoke with the alleged victims, one of who alleged that Paxson was wearing only a T-shirt and was grabbing his genitalia.

DeWitt then reported that Paxson’s fifth wheel camper sat about 10 yards from the trampoline and that a large back window faced nearly directly at the trampoline.

DeWitt then spoke to Paxson, who he described as very intoxicated. Paxson allegedly denied exposing himself to any children or watching them through the back window. He also denied any issues with neighbors in the area, according to the charging document.

Paxson was taken into custody Oct. 13. 

A conviction on the charge may result in a minimum sentence of four years or a maximum of 100 years in the Montana State Prison.