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October 20, 2024

Registered sex offender caught crossing state lines with minor

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Law enforcement from several agencies in western South Dakota and Wyoming were able to find a 13-year-old girl Sunday morning they believe was abducted by a registered sex offender.

According to the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, the girl was noted missing around 7:30 a.m. from rural Meade County.

Just hours later the suspect, who law enforcement believed abducted her, was caught by law enforcement in Wyoming and found the girl.

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Sean Carlos Payne, 22 of Omaha NE, was quickly identified as a suspect through electronic communications.  Payne, a registered sex offender, was wanted in Nebraska for 3rd-degree terroristic threat, Assault by Strangulation, Probation Violation for Enticing a Minor and 3rd-degree Assault Causing Bodily Harm.

Officials say Payne will remain in custody in Wyoming as multiple charges are likely, as well as additional charges due to having active warrants in Nebraska.

“Saving a young child from a wanted predator is a win for us today,” said Meade County Sheriff Pat West.”

“When a child goes missing, and the evidence is clear they have been abducted, we will do everything, to find that child and bring them home safely,” Attorney General Marty Jackley said in a press release.