Casper Man Gets 30 to 50 Years for Abuse of Family Friend's Child

A Natrona County judge sentenced Dorsey Edward Goodrow to 30 to 50 years in prison Tuesday morning for first-degree sexual abuse of a minor. Goodrow, 49, has been held in custody since his arrest earlier this year.

The Mills Police Department investigated the case. Court records state that a forensic interview with the 12-year-old girl, along with the investigation, showed the abuse happened during a sleepover. Goodrow knew the family and was considered a trusted friend. In the affidavit, Goodrow told police he had oral contact with the victim. Because he was a family friend in a position of authority, the charge was filed as first degree.

Judge Kerri Johnson spoke at the hearing. "The amount of the cases coming forward is astounding and alarming," Johnson said. The judge noted that Goodrow pleaded guilty, which spared the victim from testifying at a trial. "For the life of me, I'll never understand what causes people to do this. You have destroyed your life," Johnson said.

Prosecutor Pat LeBrun asked for the maximum sentence. "This is a person the mother and father would trust, did trust," LeBrun told the court, calling the facts "extraordinarily bad." Goodrow spoke briefly through tears. "I'm sorry," he said.

Public defender Steve Mink told the court his client feels horrible about the offense. Mink said Goodrow has virtually no criminal history and was himself a victim of sexual abuse in the past. Goodrow pleaded guilty to the charge.