A Casper, Wyoming, man caught transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sex acts was sentenced Thursday and faces 37-45 years in federal prison, authorities say.
James Warren Martin, 38, received a 10-year sentence to run simultaneously with another, 37- to 45-year sentence already imposed on him for victimizing a minor.
Law enforcement learned about Martin in October 2022 when a minor child’s guardian and family member told the Casper Police Department that Martin had been grooming the girl, says a Friday statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Wyoming.
On Nov. 16, 2022, Martin picked the girl up from school and fled the state with her. Authorities issued an Amber Alert in Wyoming. When investigators learned the girl may be in Arizona, and an Amber Alert was dispatched there as well.
He was 36 at the time.
A Casper woman posted to her Facebook page at that time that her 14-year-old daughter was missing after having skipped school that day, Cowboy State Daily reported prior.
A La Paz County, Arizona, sheriff’s deputy found Martin and the girl in Arizona. Law enforcement arrested Martin and rescued the girl, the statement says.
Evidence proved Martin had sexual intercourse with the girl after taking her from Wyoming, and he later confessed to sex acts in Natrona County as well, says the statement.
Martin was indicted Jan. 11, 2023, and jailed federally July 15, 2024. He pleaded guilty Oct. 29, 2024.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
