Duncan Gets 10+ Years For Lewistown Minor Exploitation

HARRISBURG, PA – James Cody Duncan, 37, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, will spend over a decade behind bars after being sentenced to 130 months’ imprisonment for a predatory scheme targeting a 13-year-old girl in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. United States District Judge Keli M. Neary handed down the sentence today, also ordering Duncan to serve a decade of supervised release following his prison term. The case lays bare the dangers lurking online and the devastating consequences for vulnerable children.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Duncan pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor on November 13, 2024. The investigation revealed a calculated effort by Duncan to groom the victim, beginning in August 2022. He initiated contact online, showering the girl with attention and gifts – including multiple cellphones specifically used to maintain communication with her. This wasn’t innocent flirting; it was a deliberate attempt to build trust and manipulate a child.

The grooming period culminated in a horrifying act. In April 2023, Duncan traveled to Pennsylvania and met with the victim at a local hotel, where he engaged in sexual activity with her. The details of the encounter are deeply disturbing and underscore the predatory nature of Duncan’s actions. Investigators were able to piece together the timeline through digital forensics and diligent police work.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police spearheaded the investigation, working tirelessly to bring Duncan to justice. Assistant United States Attorney Christian T. Haugsby skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring that the evidence presented a clear and damning picture of Duncan’s criminal behavior. This collaborative effort demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to protecting children from exploitation.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. The project’s core mission is to combat the escalating epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. By pooling federal, state, and local resources, Project Safe Childhood aims to identify, apprehend, and prosecute predators like Duncan, while simultaneously rescuing and supporting victims. More information on Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc.

The 130-month sentence sends a strong message: those who prey on children will be held accountable. While no sentence can fully undo the harm caused, this outcome offers a measure of justice for the victim and serves as a warning to others who might consider similar crimes. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on efforts to combat child exploitation nationwide.

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