A 26-year-old Casper man faces potential extradition to Vernal, Utah, on seven sex-rated felony charges and one misdemeanor count.
Casper Circuit Court documents released Monday show Kenneth Dean Costello was arrested by Natrona County Sheriff’s Office deputies Thursday on a fugitive warrant put out by the state of Utah for allegations of sexual exploitation of a minor between March 29 and April 26.
When contacted by Cowboy State Daily, spokespersons for the Uintah County Attorney's office and Vernal Circuit Court in Utah said they could not comment on the case. In their state, because the allegations involve alleged sexual activity with a minor child, all court files are sealed for 90 days, they said.
Costello faces felony charges that include two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and five counts of dealing in harmful material to a minor by an adult. He also is charged with one count of enticing a minor.
Bond was set at $50,000 cash. Court documents state that Costello has refused to waive extradition, so an extradition hearing will be scheduled.
The sexual exploitation of a minor charges is a second-degree felony. Under Utah law, the crime charged is committed when “an actor knowingly possesses or intentionally views child sexual abuse material.” The charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
The charges of dealing in harmful material to a minor by an adult are third-degree felonies punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The enticing a minor charge involves using the internet or text messaging to solicit, seduce, lure or entice a minor into any sexual activity. The Class A misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and potential $2,500 fine.
Dale Killingbeck can be reached at dale@cowboystatedaily.com.
