New Mexico Man Faces Up To Life Term for Texas Abduction

AMARILLO, Texas (AP) — Prosecutors say a New Mexico man faces up to life in federal prison for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl he picked up last year at a Texas truck stop.

Royce Wade Lander of Continental Divide, New Mexico, was convicted of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Randall County records show the 32-year-old Lander remains jailed pending sentencing in Amarillo.

Investigators say Lander picked the girl up May 31 near Amarillo as she sought a ride into the city. Authorities say Lander had knife and instead drove to New Mexico and sexually assaulted the girl.

She escaped in Milan, New Mexico. A trucker gave her a ride to Sayre, Oklahoma, where she contacted police.

Lander was arrested last July in St. Michaels, Arizona.