TAHLEQUAH, OKLA. (THECOUNT) — Randi L. Cook, 24, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, has been federally charged after authorities allege she traveled from Oklahoma to Wisconsin and sexually abused a minor, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Federal prosecutors said Cook was charged in a criminal complaint filed December 23 with interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, production of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor for unlawful sexual activity.
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According to court documents, investigators allege that between November 7 and December 16, Cook began communicating online with a 16-year-old minor who resides in northeast Wisconsin. Officials say the communication escalated and that Cook allegedly convinced the minor to send sexually explicit images.
Authorities further allege that Cook traveled from Oklahoma to Wisconsin on more than one occasion during that time period. Federal officials say that while in Wisconsin, Cook sexually abused the minor at both a hotel and a short-term rental property.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the charge of interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison if Cook is convicted.
Prosecutors said the charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison. In addition, the coercion and enticement charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Each of the charges also carries a potential fine of up to $250,000. Federal officials stated that any conviction on these charges would require Cook to register as a sex offender and could result in a minimum of five years to life on supervised release following incarceration.
The identity of the minor has not been released due to the victim’s age. Federal authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding how the alleged communication began or whether the investigation involved tips from third parties or digital forensic analysis.
The case is being investigated by federal law enforcement agencies, and officials said additional information may be released as the case proceeds through the court system.
Criminal complaints are formal accusations and do not represent findings of guilt. Cook is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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