Judge Sets Plea, Sentencing Date in Wyoming Abduction

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A Montana man charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Wyoming girl last year is set to appear before a judge to change his not-guilty plea and face sentencing.

District Judge Steven Cranfill of Cody set a Nov. 19 hearing for 40-year-old Jesse P. Speer of Manhattan, Mont.

Park County Attorney Bryan Skoric says the hearing will resolve all six felony charges against Speer, but he declined to say how.

Defense lawyer J. Travis Smith of Cody didn't immediately return calls Tuesday.

Authorities say Speer approached the 11-year-old Cody girl in October 2012 by saying he needed help looking for a lost puppy. They say he then took her to a remote area at gunpoint and sexually assaulted her.

Hunters later found the girl and took her to safety.