Dakota William Rogers, a 23-year-old Cordell man, could spend the rest of his life behind bars following his arrest in Cordell. Williams was charged Feb. 24, 2020, with three felony counts of child sexual abuse and one felony count of possessing child pornography.
The charges stem back to alleged incidents involving Rogers and a 12-year-old boy at Cordell Park earlier in the month. According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Washita County Sheriff’s Deputy Russel Stewart, the investigation began when he received a call from Cordell Assistant Police Chief Scott Hill on Feb. 15, 2020. During the call, Hill told Stewart that Rogers had been at the park soliciting a young boy for sex and showing child pornography on his phone.
In addition to soliciting sex from the young victim and the display of pornographic images, Rogers also reportedly touched the victim’s body and genitals in a “lewd or lascivious” manner.
Stewart suggested, based upon what he termed “credible evidence” from the victim, that Rogers be taken into custody. Hill, along with Cordell Police Officer Trevor Stewart and Washita County Sheriff’s Deputy Curtis Weatherly, proceeded to Rogers’ Cordell residence and placed him in custody. At that time, according to Deputy Stewart’s affidavit, Rogers told Hill, “this is about the stuff on my phone; I know I shouldn’t have it.”
Deputy Stewart interviewed Rogers on Feb. 17, 2020, where Rogers reportedly admitted to soliciting sex from children, telling Stewart he had no age preference with regard to his sexual desires. He then, according to the affidavit, showed Deputy Stewart the child pornography on his phone and also showed the deputy websites and chat rooms regarding pedophila and the downloading of child
Each of the child sex abuse charges carries a potential punishment of up to life in prison and/ or a $5,000 fine. The child pornography charge can be punished by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000.