A District Court judge kept bail at $250,000 yesterday for a 30-year-old British man arrested Tuesday in Carroll County on charges that he traveled to meet two fictitious 13-year-old girls for sex.

Richard D. Burton spoke softly as he told Judge Louis Becker that he has lived with his wife for 2 1/2 years in the 4600 block of Embassy Circle, in Owings Mills, since coming to the United States to work for the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

He has worked for its affiliate in England for 11 years, Burton said.

Burton was arrested at a Taneytown fast-food restaurant on seven charges, including attempted statutory rape and sex offenses, and using a computer to solicit sex with a minor, with possible penalties ranging from 10 to 20 years in prison.

A Carroll County sheriff's deputy said in charging documents that he was online posing as a 13-year-old girl when a message from "bored in baltimore" arrived.

An Internet chat ensued, involving solicitation of sexual acts with the supposed teen-ager and a 13-year-old friend. The three were to meet in Taneytown and travel to a Westminster motel, according to the court file.

Members of the Maryland Internet Crimes against Children Task Force and other officers were waiting, with a photograph sent over the Internet and a description of the suspect's car.

The suspect's screen name was traced to a business computer in Glen Burnie.

Burton appeared without a lawyer but asked the judge to review his bail because he could not post that amount.

But Assistant State's Attorney Diane Wellbrock said Burton was finishing his work here and preparing to return to England in two weeks.

"He owns no property and has no real ties to the United States." she said. "Under the circumstances, I think there is some risk of flight here." Becker said.

Should Burton make bail, the judge ordered that he surrender his passport, keep away from the Internet and from minors, remain in Maryland and be placed on home detention.