Dwayne Wahtomy Jr., 47, of Ethete, Wyoming, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and an additional 10 years of supervised release for abusive sexual contact with a child. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on April 7 in Cheyenne. The case is notably part of the activities marking National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which the U.S. Attorney’s Office commemorates to highlight issues related to victimization and justice.
Court documents revealed that Wahtomy had sexually abused a minor, who he also threatened to keep silent. The victim was actively engaged in her statutory rights throughout the investigation and trial process. She was kept informed of the legal proceedings, consulted on plea deals, and gave a victim impact statement at the sentencing. This involvement underscores the progress in the victims' rights movement.
Wahtomy's case falls under the scope of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence through community and law enforcement collaboration. The PSN program aims to build trust in communities, support community organizations to prevent violence, prioritize strategic enforcement, and assess the outcomes of these efforts.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook. Wahtomy was indicted on September 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on January 15, 2025.
The establishment of the Office of Victims of Crimes (OVC) in 1988 followed the 1984 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which drew attention to the rights and needs of victims of violent crimes. According to OVC, five million individuals fall victim to violent crimes each year, which can lead to enduring personal and societal issues.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Wyoming provides support and information to federal crime victims through the Victim Witness Program, ensuring they are fairly treated within the criminal justice system. Additional information about the program is available online.