Missouri Man Sentenced for Traveling to Minnesota with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct

Yesterday in federal court in Minneapolis, a 42-year-old Missouri man was sentenced for sexually assaulting a child while traveling with her from Virginia to Minnesota. United States District Court Judge John R. Tunheim sentenced Robin Lynn Bourgeois, of Blue Springs, Missouri, to 200 months in prison on one count of aggravated sexual abuse. He was indicted on February 2, 2010, and pleaded guilty on December 1, 2010. After serving his prison term, Bourgeois will be required to register as a sex offender.

In his plea agreement, Bourgeois admitted making the trip to Minnesota between July 31 and August 2, 2007, for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. In addition, Bourgeois admitted sexually abusing the victim after he arrived in Minnesota.

According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, Bourgeois left Virginia Beach, Virginia by car, on July 31, 2007, accompanied by a girl, who, at the time, was 9 years of age. Bourgeois told the girl's mother that her daughter would be traveling with him and his 10-year-old daughter. However, the affidavit states his daughter actually left Virginia two weeks ahead of him and the 9-year-old.

Following yesterday’s sentencing, Richard Thornton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Minneapolis Field Office said, “The FBI remains dedicated to pursuing those criminals who prey on our most vulnerable citizens, those being our children. Mr. Bourgeois, and others like him, should take notice that they will be intensely investigated by this agency.”

This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Maple Grove Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clifford B. Wardlaw.