Gillette man charged with sexual abuse of a minor

Kegan Vega of Gillette has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor after allegedly having sex with a 15-year-old during a camping trip.

According to a special agent with the Division of Criminal Investigation, the assault took place at Keyhole State Park on July 8, 2023 at around 2 a.m.

The agent was assigned to investigate the incident on February 1. An interview was conducted with the alleged victim, who was aged 15 at the time of the incident.

The victim alleged that they went on a two-night camping trip that included family members and friends, including 24-year-old Kegan Vega.

Vega allegedly invited the victim to sleep in his tent. In the early hours of July 8, the victim did so, bringing a blanket with them.

Vega allegedly began making sexual advances towards the victim, who told him, “You need to stop. This isn’t right.” According to court reports, Vega instructed the victim that they couldn’t tell anyone, then initiated sexual intercourse.

The victim stated that they remained in the tent until they were called in the morning by an adult who was present on the trip, who later confirmed that they witnessed the victim leaving the tent at that time.

In direct messages shared with law enforcement by a family member, Vega allegedly claimed that he was the victim of the incident and that the 15-year-old had come into the tent and said they would scream unless he complied.

Vega has been charged with a felony count of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of incarceration.