Crime and Courts

Hearing delayed for Montana man accused kidnapping, assaulting Wyoming girl

Posted: Oct 25, 2012 1:56 PM by MTN News

CODY, WY - The preliminary hearing for a Montana man suspected of kidnapping and assaulting an 11-year-old Wyoming girl at gunpoint has been continued.

The public defender for Jesse Paul Speer, 39, asked that Friday's 1:30 p.m. hearing to be continued. A new hearing date has not been set.

Speer appeared before Circuit Court Judge Bruce Waters in Park County, Wyoming last Friday. He said he understands the charges against him, which include kidnapping, aggravated assault and use of a firearm. The judge also said bond will remain at $2 million cash only.

Speer showed no emotion as he was brought into the courtroom, wearing glasses, which had previously been taken from him by authorities. He did not ask the judge any questions during the brief hearing.

Attorneys noted that Speer has no ties to the Cody, Wyoming community.

However, Park County Attorney Bryan Skoric told Judge Waters he believed it was necessary for the state to impose a $2 million bond.

"The nature and circumstance of the offenses charged are very serious charges, your Honor, involving some of the most dangerous conduct imaginable," said Skoric. "An out of state adult traveling in to this community abducted a young child, assaulting her, leaving her in a desolate area in the country in alleged hypothermic conditions."

Bond has not been posted and he remains in the Park County Wyoming Detention Center.

On Oct. 17, Speer was extradited back to Wyoming after he was apprehended in Belgrade and held in Gallatin County without bond.

On Monday, Oct. 8, an 11-year-old girl was abducted by a man who enticed her into his SUV by asking for help finding his missing puppy. She was later found and reunited with her family.

Surveillance cameras and witnesses led authorities to Speer who is a photographer in the Bozeman area and who most recently lived in Manhattan.

Cody Police Chief Perry Rockvam said on Monday that Speer could face more charges.