Zachary T. Lee Acting United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
A couple from Springfield, Missouri, has been arrested and charged with transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The accused, Justin Johiah Curtright, 40, and Christin Marie Curtright, 32, allegedly groomed a 13-year-old girl online before traveling to Virginia to abduct her.
According to a federal criminal complaint filed last week, the victim first encountered Justin Curtright on Discord in May 2024. Initially claiming to be 18 years old under an alias, the victim later revealed her true age. During their interactions on Discord and via phone calls, both Justin and Christin engaged in explicit conversations and acts with the victim.
By late June 2024, the Curtrights had devised a plan to bring the victim from Virginia back to their home in Missouri. On July 24 of that year, they met her near her residence and transported her back to Springfield. Throughout the journey and during her stay at their apartment, it is alleged that they sexually assaulted her multiple times.
On July 27, officers from the Springfield Police Department discovered the victim hiding in a closet within the Curtrights' bedroom. She was found with a debit card and false identification portraying her as Justin's daughter.
Authorities seized phones containing recordings of video chats where the Curtrights allegedly groomed and exploited the victim. If convicted of these charges, both face a minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment up to life.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee alongside Stanley M. Meador from the FBI’s Richmond Division. The case involved investigations by several agencies including the FBI and local law enforcement bodies.
Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is leading prosecution efforts for this case. It is important to note that a criminal complaint constitutes an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
