Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced charges against Daniel Wayne Callihan, a 37-year-old Amite resident, for kidnapping that resulted in death and transporting a minor for illicit sexual purposes. The two-count bill details serious federal offenses, including the kidnapping of two minors and the consequent death of one minor and an adult victim. The indictment also covers the interstate transportation of a minor from Louisiana to Mississippi with the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual activity, as detailed in a report by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
On June 13, 2024, Callihan is alleged to quickly have taken the victims using a 2012 Chrysler 200. For the kidnapping charge, he faces a minimum of life imprisonment, while the second count could add a minimum of ten years to his sentence. Each count also carries potential fines and supervised release following any prison term. The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasizes that these charges require proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The case ties into Project Safe Childhood, a campaign initiated by the Department of Justice to combat child exploitation and abuse. It underscores federal and local authorities' commitment to utilizing every tool at their disposal to address these serious offenses. The collaboration, bringing resources together from various levels, aims to locate and prosecute offenders and assist victims in need of rescue.
Outstanding cooperation has been evident among several agencies, including the FBI responsible for the investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the Tangipahoa Sheriff's Office, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and the Jackson Police Department. Such collaborative work reflects an inter-agency resolve to not only hold individuals like Callihan accountable but to also swiftly serve justice and aid those harmed by such heinous acts. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Sarah Dawkins are leading the prosecution efforts, with particular commendation for the U.S Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Unit in providing essential support to the victims and their families.
