A 24-year-old woman from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, is facing severe federal charges after authorities allege she traveled across state lines to sexually abuse a child in Northeast Wisconsin.
Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced the charges against Randi L. Cook on Tuesday following an investigation by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the criminal complaint, the interactions began online. Investigators allege that between November 7, 2025, and December 16, 2025, Cook established communication with a minor residing in Northeast Wisconsin. During this period, Cook allegedly coerced the child into sending sexually explicit images via the internet.
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The complaint further details that the online abuse escalated into physical encounters. Authorities say Cook traveled from Oklahoma to the Eastern District of Wisconsin on multiple occasions. During these trips, she allegedly sexually abused the minor at both a hotel and a short-term rental property.
Cook was charged via a criminal complaint filed on December 23, 2025. She faces three specific counts under Title 18 of the United States Code: interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, production of child pornography, and coercing or enticing a minor for unlawful sexual activity.
The penalties attached to these charges are significant. If convicted on the charge of production of child pornography, Cook faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, with a maximum of 30 years.
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The coercion and enticement charge carries an even steeper penalty, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a potential sentence of life imprisonment. The charge of interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act carries a maximum sentence of 30 years.
In addition to prison time, each count carries a potential fine of up to $250,000. A conviction on any of the counts would also mandate that Cook register as a sexual offender and undergo a minimum of five years of supervised release.
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