Feb 03, 2023

Man from So. Carolina jailed after trip to meet 15-year-old in SW Kan.

Posted Feb 03, 2023 12:01 PM
Raines-photo Finney Co.
Raines-photo Finney Co.

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

On Wednesday, a family contacted the Garden City Police Department and reported their 15-year-old child was involved in a relationship with a 22-year-old man from South Carolina, according to a media release.

Officers were told that the individuals had shared explicit photographs with each other. During the investigation, it was learned that the man, identified as Justin Raines, had traveled to Garden City and was staying at  the AmericInn, 3020 E. Kansas Avenue in Garden City.

Raines had barricaded himself in his room and was making suicidal comments while he was in possession of a knife.

Officers responded to the hotel and attempted to negotiate with Raines.  He refused to exit the room and surrender to police.

After a search warrant was obtained, Raines was arrested and taken into custody. He is being held on requested charges that include 9 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child (Possession)  and 9 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child (Transmission).