Anthony, Texas trucker accused of luring children for cross-country road trips to remain behind bars

The man accused of posting flyers asking for children to accompany him on truck rides will remain behind bars for now, a federal judge decided Tuesday. Travis Wayne Vavra , 57, had his initial detention hearing Monday morning.

The FBI testified the a 9-year-old victim and a relative met Vavra at the Pilot gas station in Anthony, Texas. They were allegedly promised free tickets to Wet N' Wild Water World, a water amusement park in Anthony. According to the federal agent, Vavra and the boy went on their first road trip together 2 to 3 days after that meeting. The agent testified the Vavra and the child shared a shower on their way to Chicago at a stop in Joplin, Missouri.

The FBI alleged Vavra sexually assaulted the victim during trips to California and Belvidere, Wisconsin. In all, the special agent said there were five instances of oral sex in four years.

During the hearing, investigators revealed Vavra became close with the victim's family. Vavra allegedly paid house bills and bought video games and a cell phone for the boy.

Vavra's defense attorney countered, asking the special agent several times whether there was any evidence of the sexual assault or text messages that could solidify the claims and the agent said No.

Agents arrested Vavra near Sunland Park mall on December 6th as it appeared Vavra was "scouting" children, the agent said during the hearing.

Vavra has been charged with one count of Interstate Transportation of Minors with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity.