Rapid City Man Indicted for Internet Sex Crime

A Rapid City man has been indicted for his alleged involvement in a disturbing internet sex crime. According to the indictment, 27-year-old Casey James Godfrey of Rapid City, South Dakota, used the internet to entice a minor under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity and to send obscene matter to the girl.

The indictment charges Godfrey with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet and Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor. United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced the indictment, which was returned by a federal grand jury on January 22, 2014.

Godfrey appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on January 24, 2014, and entered a plea of not guilty to the indictment. The penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment up to life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The investigation was conducted by the Nebraska State Patrol and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. Godfrey was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has not been set.

The charges against Godfrey are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who use the internet to engage in sex crimes.

As the investigation continues, the public is reminded to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The safety and well-being of our children is of the utmost importance.

Godfrey’s indictment is a significant step in the pursuit of justice, and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Related Federal Cases