Casper man arraigned for transportation of a minor, pleads not guilty

James Warren Martin, 38, of Casper, Wyoming, was arraigned on July 19, for transportation of a minor, in violation of federal law. Martin pleaded not guilty. A trial has been set for Sept. 23, 2024, before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl.

The State of Wyoming has also charged Martin with 17 felonies, including numerous allegations of sexual assault of a minor and sexual exploitation of children. These counts stem from assaults allegedly perpetrated upon the same victim as in this case. As indicated by a notice filed by the Natrona County District Attorney's office in the state case, the state and federal prosecutions are proceeding in tandem.

If convicted, Martin faces 10 years to life imprisonment with five years to life of supervised release and up to a $5,000 assessment for Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This crime is being investigated by the FBI, Casper Police Department and the La Paz County Arizona Sheriff's Office. The case is being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Case No. 23-CR-00005