Courts

Montana man accused of abducting, assaulting girl makes initial appearance in Cody, Wyoming court

Posted: Oct 19, 2012 5:04 PM by MTN News
Updated: Oct 22, 2012 11:46 AM

CODY, WYOMING - Bond remains at $2 million cash only for a former Manhattan man accused of kidnapping and assaulting an 11-year-old girl in Cody, Wyoming.

Jesse Paul Speer, 39, appeared before Circuit Court Judge Bruce Waters in Park County, Wyoming this morning. 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 dollar 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."

If he does post bail, he is to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18 without approval and must wear a GPS ankle monitor at all times.

An Oct. 26 preliminary hearing is set.

Speer was represented by a public defender today.

On Wednesday, Speer was extradited back to Wyoming after he was apprehended in Belgrade over the weekend and held in Gallatin County without bond. Cody Police Chief Perry Rockvam said on Monday that Speer could face more charges.

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.