RAPID CITY, S.D. — A man arrested last month in connection with the kidnapping of a rural Meade County teenager made his first federal court appearance Monday.
A federal grand jury indicated 33-year-old Sean Payne of Bellevue, Nebraska on a handful of charges, including kidnapping, exploitation of a minor and enticement of a minor.
Authorities say he met the 13-year-old victim on the internet, drove to Meade County to pick her up and then took her to Wyoming. That’s where authorities caught up with him and made an arrest.
Payne made his first federal court appearance Monday in Rapid City where he pleaded not guilty.
He’s also facing charges in Wyoming and his home state of Nebraska, where he has active warrants.
If convicted of the South Dakota charges, Payne could face up to life in prison.
He remains in jail pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.
