A Cody man has been ordered to serve three to five years in prison for sexually abusing a child in the spring of 2025.

Jared M. Griffin, 35, received the sentence earlier this month after being convicted of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor at a fall trial in Park County District Court.

“I know it may be a shock, and perhaps you wanted probation, but that's not going to happen,” District Court Judge Bill Simpson told Griffin on March 13. “I’m not trying to be cruel or difficult, I’m just trying to tell you that this crime that you were adjudicated by unanimous verdict is very serious, very serious.”

The victim told Cody police that Griffin — who had been drinking — had directed her to take her clothes off and then briefly rubbed his genital area against hers.

Griffin initially denied anything untoward had happened and consistently said that the girl had been clothed, but under intense grilling from Cody police detectives, he eventually admitted the interaction had become inappropriate. Griffin said he threw up afterwards because it felt “wrong” and brought up memories of sexual abuse he suffered as a child.

However, when Griffin testified at his trial in November, he went back to insisting that nothing sexual had occurred. He contended his alleged confession was a result of him being intimidated by police.

Jurors ultimately didn’t accept his version of events and the 12-member panel unanimously found him guilty after less than an hour of deliberations.

During his March 13 sentencing hearing, Griffin apologized to the child.

“I am sorry for having to put them through this. I can’t imagine how hard or uncomfortable and painful this has been for them,” Griffin said.

He also apologized to his family for the pain he’s put them through.

A couple of Griffin’s family members noted the abuse he suffered as a child and mental health issues. They told the court he needs treatment rather than incarceration.

Griffin’s court-appointed attorney, Sam Krone, argued that a sentence of probation with a suspended prison term would provide punishment and justice.

As for the victim, she told Griffin that she has forgiven him and wants him to get help. Through one of her family members, the girl indicated that she thought a yearlong sentence would be appropriate.

Meanwhile, Senior Deputy Park County Prosecuting Attorney Larry Eichele requested 14 to 15 years for Griffin, citing “his absence of acceptance of responsibility.”

Though he imposed a three- to five-year sentence, Judge Simpson said it might amount to 18 to 20 months given the time Griffin had already served in jail and future credit for good behavior. Simpson also said there was a “very good chance” he would be willing to modify and reduce Griffin’s sentence within the coming year if he behaves in prison.

“... you stand a good chance of being released relatively quickly, OK?” the judge said, “but I want you to understand what you did was wrong, what you did was criminal, and a jury found as such.”

As of Wednesday, Griffin remained in the Park County Detention Center, awaiting transport to a Department of Corrections facility. He’s been incarcerated since his initial arrest in April 2025.