Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 12:00 am
Star-Tribune staff reports
A Casper man faces charges alleging he kidnapped and sexually exploited an elementary school-aged girl who lived near his home.
Police arrested Aaron W. Ridley, 24, on Monday after responding to a report by the girl's mother that a man had grabbed her daughter and made the girl touch his genitals, according to a police affidavit.
Prosecutors on Tuesday charged Ridley with kidnapping, sexual exploitation of a child, indecent liberties and possession of controlled substance. If convicted, he faces the possibility of more than 47 years behind bars.
He remained in custody Monday evening at the Natrona County Detention Center.
Just before 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, officers responded to a neighborhood in the Paradise Valley area based on the mother's call. She told authorities the suspect lived on her street and was currently at home.
Inside that home, officers found Ridley sitting in a recliner, according to police. He appeared intoxicated and under the influence of drugs. Ridley was taken to Wyoming Medical Center and later booked into the county jail.
Read Wednesday's Star-Tribune for more on this story.