(Meade County, SD) — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is praising the Meade County Sheriff’s Office for its role in safely returning an abducted 13-year-old to her family. Jackley called the department’s efforts “exceptional” and also praised South Dakota Highway Patrol and the state Division of Criminal Investigation. Sean Carlos Payne of Omaha, Nebraska was identified as the suspect not long after the girl had been reported missing early Sunday morning. Payne was eventually arrested by police in Wyoming after he took her across state lines. The Meade County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Payne was wanted in Nebraska for assault and child abuse, and violated probation for enticing a minor. Meade County Sheriff Pat West said he believes Payne and the girl had made contact through the internet and over the phone.
