Crime and Courts

Details of abduction emerge in press conference

Posted: Oct 15, 2012 1:24 PM by MTN News
Updated: Oct 15, 2012 2:31 PM

CODY, WY - A Manhattan, Mont. man has been charged in connection with the abduction and assault of a Cody Wyoming girl last week. Charging documents filed today in Bozeman identity the suspect as 39-year-old Jesse Speer of Manhattan, MT. Speer is scheduled to appear in Gallatin County District Court at 1:30 p.m. today.

Earlier today during a news conference Cody Police Chief Perry Rockvam announced the charges Speer is facing. They include kidnapping, aggravated assault, and use of a firearm during a felony. Additional charges are expected to be filed by the Park County Wyoming County Attorneys office.

Speer is alleged to have lured the young Cody girl to his vehicle last Monday by asking her to help find a lost puppy. He bound the girl's hand and drove her at gunpoint to a remote area near Cody and sexually assaulted her. Rockvam said the suspect put a bag over her head and released her, telling her to count to 50 before she turned around. Hunters in the area spotted the girl while driving out of the area and were able to contact law enforcement and her family.
Rockvam stated it was only a short time into the investigation before they had a suspect in the case. They were able to use surveillance cameras in Cody and Yellowstone Park to confirm his vehicle license.

Rockvam thanked the law enforcement response including the FBI and units from Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado. He also gave recognition to the victim who was able to give detailed information that helped in making the arrest.

At 3 p.m. today, representatives from the Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff's Office and Belgrade Police Department will conduct a media conference regarding law enforcement role in the arrest of Jesse Speer in connection with a kidnapping and assault.