MNROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced the sentencing of Woody Dale Branton, a 63-year-old professor from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to 135 months in prison for enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Branton was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert G. James on one count of enticing a minor. Evidence presented at the August 27, 2014 guilty plea revealed that Branton, who teaches at the University of Minnesota, exchanged thousands of messages with a 15-year-old girl from October 2013 to December 1, 2013, many of which were sexual in nature.
He also requested explicit pictures from the young girl and attempted to meet her in Louisiana. Branton purchased a plane ticket for a trip to Shreveport from November 29, 2013, to December 1, 2013.
In response to this case, Finley emphasized the importance of parental oversight, stating, “This case is yet another example why it is so important for parents to monitor their children’s computer usage and stay active in their lives.”
“We also hope that this case deters other sexual predators and spares potential victims,” she continued. “Protecting children from these malicious predators is a top priority for my office, and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners to bring them to justice.”
The FBI and the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuting it. The incident is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or to leave tips with the FBI, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or submit tips anonymously at tips.fbi.gov. The Monroe FBI office can be contacted at (318) 387-0773.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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