Missing Teen Found, Cates Arrested

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By The Associated Press & Kathy Weber

Story Published: Apr 17, 2009 at 12:17 AM MDT

Story Updated: Apr 17, 2009 at 11:21 AM MDT

BILLINGS - A Billings man was arrested Thursday night in Arkansas, 5 days after authorities believe he took a 14-year-old girl from her hometown in Pennsylvania.

Authorities say 21-year-old Donald Cates was with 14-year-old Sierra Lillie, whom he'd met on the internet two years ago. F.B.I. Billings Agent, Eric Barnhart, says the pair was spotted by a police officer in Clarksville, Arkansas. Erie, Pennsylvania police say they believe Cates and Lillie were hitchhiking, headed for New Orleans.

Cates was accused of raping 5 girls in Fergus County in 2005, but the judge in the case ruled it a mistrial. A recent Supreme Court decision ruled it would not be double jeopardy for authorities to try Cates again on the rape charges.

The Fergus County Attorney issued an arrest warrant for Cates Thursday morning. The Fergus County Sheriff's department, The Montana Department of Criminal Investigation, the Helena Police Department worked in conjunction with the F.B.I. and Erie police on the case.

Erie officials say Lillie is now in protective custody and is on her way back home in Pennsylvania.

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Wake-up.American Culture said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 11:45 AM

Red lodge, you are a sensable person, and the guy who supplied us who pretenders with info of our people we celebrate, like Jerry Luis and elvis Presley. Girl, nobody can do anything to you thats unimaginable in sex, don't be a drama queen, people, even children, your friends do the same things on a daily basis, come on people, make some sense and teach me something. I am a law student and reading the way most of you think makes my prospects look great.PARENTS/CHILD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!!

i know donald and family said on Sunday, Sep 6 at 6:10 PM

he is a sick person and i know he did do all of this and as far as the new four girls i know one of them and he did do it and she is paying for his sickness and he needs to be locked up forever if he has done this to the five then four and now this other girl whos next? how meany girls life dose this man have to ruin before his lock up? not to mention the fact his mom help get him out of town. how sick dose mother have to be and a father that smokes mary jane. you know what i mean. rot in jail.

Victim said on Thursday, Jul 23 at 3:27 PM

I was one of the girls that Max raped. I don't care what you people say but I and the other girls know that he did it. He is a sick man and he did things to us girls that you could never even imagine. none of you experienced any of it andou have the right to accuse any of us for lying

Eleitra said on Tuesday, May 26 at 2:49 PM

i got questioned as one of the girls that he supposedly hid in his car. so that i know is false. you really dont get that do you? and iv never said i dont want to see him nailed for this. i know Sierra. and him. and i know that he is an idiot beyond that definition. and i seriously hope he NEVER gets out of jail.

Definitely not "Donald's Friend" said on Friday, May 22 at 2:56 PM

None of what i said in my earlier post was false. It might be meaningless to you, but not the feds. The first charge that he is being charged with carries a minimum 10 years in prison and a 250000 fine. The second charge carries the same penalties. The FBI doesn't play around. I'm sure they have plenty of evidence to charge him in the first place.

Eleitra said on Tuesday, May 19 at 10:31 AM

I check this to see new posts, and see what others have heard, but everything that other people post on here seems to be false, or, my personal favorite, meaninglessl.

Definitely not "Donald's friend" said on Tuesday, May 12 at 10:14 PM

1 1 1 1=possibility of life in prison. Hopefully he will do us all a favor and just plead guilty. Maybe he'll get out of jail in time to collect social security. It doesn't sound like he is smart enough to do that. And before people start spouting off about the girl going (or doing anything else) "willingly," remember: FEDERAL LAW says she CANNOT CONSENT TO ANYTHING at 14, with him being 21.

Eleitra said on Friday, May 8 at 3:00 PM

Ok, so, the NEW story about the girls in the car is a lie. wow, yall must be really gullable to beleive that one. do any of you even live in Lewistown? well if not, i do. and Yea, he messed up. and he is gonna get grilled for it in court. but the alligations about the girls in his car are false. i know, cause they asked me if i was one of them! jeez! get yalls facts right!

### said on Tuesday, May 5 at 9:28 PM

Apparently Donald has a fondness for young girls. One news story reported that he was released on jail and ordered to not have unsupervised contact with minors. 4 girls under the age of 15 admitted to riding in his truck with him to an area near a fish hatchery. They each reported that they "had to lay down on the seat so nobody would see" them. Yeah, another 4 people that made up lies? I just hope that he gets the 10 years that is the minimum sentence for luring a minor across state lines

Eleitra said on Thursday, Apr 23 at 2:16 PM

Look everybody, i know you all think he is a horrible person, and i do know him. i have known him for 8 years. i agree he needs to pay for his actions, and that what he did was wrong and stupid. but i know he never raped those five girls. i know that because one of those five girls is my cousin, one is my sister, one was my (almost) aunt. thats three out of 5 that have made statements to me, that he never raped them. the reason they all say that he did, is because, my cousin, told them to.

Rae said on Tuesday, Apr 21 at 4:37 PM

Use Common sense has this one pegged. For those of you that claim to be great friends with Donald, don't. There are plenty of serial rapists and murderers who have had "close friends" that realized that they never knew ANYTHING about him, and that is apparently the case with you and Donald.

to .45bullet said on Tuesday, Apr 21 at 11:00 AM

You dont know any of the facts. have you ever heard of girls making pacts. that was world news. this needs to be dropped and people need to shut up. donald is my friend, you dont know these girls, but i do, and trust me there not who you think they are.

mark said on Monday, Apr 20 at 10:04 PM

why would 5 girls all accuse this guy of rape for no good reason? I can see one, maybe two, but five? There is no way five girls just made up a story of rape. Make this guy dig his own hole and then put a .45 cent bullet to good use.

responce to shameful comment said on Monday, Apr 20 at 8:07 AM

where did it ever say that Donald used this girl for sex? i have read of this statement nowhere. you are as bad as the press you are convicting him without a trial. i just read on a comment on here from a juror from his trial that feels hes innocent. cuz the girls couldnt remember thier own lies. so b4 u run off at the mouth again & cast stones read the facts not just what the press & procecuter wants you to know

old classmate said on Saturday, Apr 18 at 10:13 PM

he is a creep. ever since i can remember he was that guy that gave you the heeby jeebys whenever he came around. i may not know all the facts about the rapes in 05 but i do know some of the people and i just dont think that anyone would be in the situation if something didnt happen. lock him up...whats next..murder??if he hasnt learned yet than what makes you think that he will not just continue preying on LITTLE GIRLS..hes flat out scary..something serious needs to be done here

juror at trial said on Saturday, Apr 18 at 12:27 PM

iI was there. He is innocent in my eyes, I heard testimony and it was all bull. These girls couldnt even get there stories right and the dr. said it all....no evidence of a rape. its true, you dont know the facts. keep your acusations to yourself.

i agree said on Saturday, Apr 18 at 12:22 PM

all facts dont come out with the press. there info come from the prosicutor who only wants to convict him. my grandma was 13 when she married grandpa who was 23. there was no rape there and they were together til death. alot of girls call rape so the can get out of trouble or to save face with there parents cuz they are sexually active. its a shame what our sociaty has become. so fast to judge. all this is s*&& and maybe the fbi should investigate fergus county and the so called 5 rapes.

donald supporter said on Saturday, Apr 18 at 12:13 PM

first off im glad the girl is home. she left on her own will so im sure there are problems at home. yes you only read what the law and prosicuters want u to know, remember there is a defense for this man. the girls that cried rape are sick and need to be investigated. if you only new the facts you would not call him a perv. every one that knows donald knows the truth. remember all facts are not available to the public. charges only show the charges not the truth. donald we love and support you.

NATION RULED BY FEAR OF PROSECUTORS said on Saturday, Apr 18 at 10:22 AM

We are created as a Nation of justice & Equality. If one person is charged with a crime while other participants are not, then we will perish. In this case, the prosecutor and the local police have hid the truth from the public selectively and maliciously enforced the law and embarked in a course of conduct where they ruined this innocent man’s life. Justice is not something we buy on the shelves at K-mart, it is the soul spirit & foundation of our Great Nation.

Anonymous said on Saturday, Apr 18 at 10:10 AM

When America was created, it was not uncommon that a 12, 13, or 14 years old girl to marry an older person so that they can foster many, many and many children to work the fields. Why now with such a conviction to convict. Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley both married children, why apply a different standards to the normal folks? He is innocent until proven guilty by a jury. Get the facts before anyone spread wind.

anonymous said on Saturday, Apr 18 at 9:16 AM

to those of you saying that the five girls he raped previously and was not charged are bogus charges, you obviously don't know the girls very well and how their lives have been affected by his sick actions. The only reason a mistrail was called was not because he didn't do it it was because of other circumstances at the time. I'm glad that they are going to retry him for the charges. and what is all this crap about the girls having a history of crying rape??? what a bunch of B@#LLS#$T!!!

shamefull said on Saturday, Apr 18 at 1:48 AM

you mean to tell the breaking news this 21 yrs old man used this 14 yr old baby for sex and was never convected for raping these other 5 girls what a sick judge if it was my daugther i would make sure justice was done,this man never walked free to attack another teenager girl these poor girl have to live with it this man a animal even a dog bettter then this rapiest rapiest rapiest

Anonymous said on Friday, Apr 17 at 6:00 PM

to the previous comment that asked why did he rape those 5 girls.first of all u need to read the facts he never was convicted of this & those 5 girls has an history of crying rape. so b4 u run off at the mouth & throw stones read the facts

Anonymous said on Friday, Apr 17 at 5:58 PM

to my understanding this girl left a runaway note & when they were found in arkansas she told the police that she ran away cuz her mom is a drug addict & her dad is a drunk. wat kind of wexample are these to trying to set. i dont blame her for running away. now i can understand why they allowed this online realationship. im glad they wasnt my parents

Anonymous said on Friday, Apr 17 at 5:53 PM

the previous comment that asked why did he rape those 5 girls. first of all u need to chk the facts instead of listening to the press. he never was convicted of those so called rapes. if u read the facts those 5 b$^&#es has an history of crying rape. so b4 u run off at the mouth again read the facts

to a friend of donalds said on Friday, Apr 17 at 2:44 PM

IF HE WAS A GREAT BIG TEDDY BEAR THEN WHY DID HE RAPE ALL THOSE GIRLS IN 2005 YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE A SICK PERSON TO DO THAT TO A PERSON. HE RUINED THERE LIFE BECAUSE OF IT IT TAKES ALONG TIME TO GET OVER SOMETHING LIKE AND SOME PEOPLE NEVER WILL I THINK THAT HE SHOULD BE IN PRISON FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE AND NEVER BEABLE TO GET OUT WHAT IF THE COULDNT FIND THE THAT GIRL HE PROLLY RAPE HER AND PROLLY KILLED HER HE WOULD NOT BE A GREAT BIG TEDDY BEAR EITHER. I AM GLAD THE PERV IS OF THE STREETS

nelson said on Friday, Apr 17 at 1:04 PM

the 21 year old should be working rather than playing on the internet and screwing around with children.get a job and get a life

Anonymous said on Friday, Apr 17 at 8:18 AM

charge the parents for child endangerment. for allowing a 14 yr old to have a relationship over the internet.

cont said on Friday, Apr 17 at 8:08 AM

even with a teenage boy. this girl left on her own free will.her parents need to step up to the plate & be a parent. ive also read that the so called charges of rape are bogus cuz those 5 girls had a history of crying rape.

Anonymous said on Friday, Apr 17 at 8:02 AM

i read the articule in the billings gazzette where it said that this girl left a runaway note for her parents.& her computer showed that she had deeper feelings for this man than her parents new. as much as ive read that this man has been getting jerked around by the law in his home town this girl probly filled his head with comforting words. my quest is why in the h46l wld her parents who said that they new him as her boyfriend let her a 14 yr old girl have an online realationship.

Outraged mother of a 14 year old said on Friday, Apr 17 at 5:42 AM

AMEN, "Red Lodge" - the parents were clueless and endangered their daughter's welfare by allowing this relationship. Regardless if he is or is not a predator, the parents bear a large amount of the guilt. When are parents goign to start protecting their kids and stop trying to be the cool parents

Mr. Bones said on Friday, Apr 17 at 5:39 AM

Gzzzz…. 21 and 14= Statutory rape, crossing state lines with a minor=kidnapping. Glad they caught the perv..

Missining Sierra said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 5:20 PM

Those of you who are defending Max need to convince him to return Sierra home. HE IS 21. It does not matter what she looks like. SHE IS 14. He traveled 1700 miles to get to her. He convinced her to leave. He is a predator. End of story.

CORRECT FACTS said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 4:55 PM

donald doesnt believe its ok to have sex with young girls.their is alot more to this story that the press is not releasing. and there are many reasons y this case went into mis trial so before u start staying stuff make just remember not all the facts are true and there is alot more that the press will not release adn remember the press can twist things around just to make a good story

Use Common Sense said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 4:39 PM

Continuation: If a 14 year old is able to CONVINCE a 21 year old to do something that is SO VERY OBVIOUSLY wrong...what makes you think that 21 year old is very good at making good choices. If he thought it was okay to go and get a 14 year old and leave the state with her without her parents consent, than that leads me to believe he probably thought it was okay to have sex with underage girls without their consent. What a sicko. He needs to be caught, locked up and throw away the key.

Use Common Sense said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 4:35 PM

To all the defenders of Donald: Whether or not he was charged or convicted of rape, and whether or not he went and got this girl with her permission, he is a 21 YEAR OLD MAN. He should know better. He should NOT be assisting a 14 year old CHILD in running away. If he was such a wonderful, loving charming man, he would have NEVER done this, or allowed this girl to go ANYWHERE with him. He would have never set foot in her town...he should know right from wrong, and what he's doing is WRONG!!!!!!

You. said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 2:05 PM

Everybody. You all have false damn facts. He knew her age. They've been talking for 2 years; dating actually. He knew this. He came for her. She left with him. They were "in love." Also, if he was smart and all of that he's the 21 year old he should have enough smarts to not mess with a 14 year old minor let alone come pick her up so they can go God knows where. Don't defend anybody. He got charged for 5 girls. The case was brought back March 31. End of it. He might be nice but, he isn't smart.

Ohran said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 2:02 PM

Sierra. :( I miss you being in class. :( She knew he was 21. She didn't care. Her PARENTS didn't know his age. I don't know much about the situation like she does; but she told me alot about how she loved him, and all of that. :( I hope they find her soon!! She needs to come back to Erie and school. )):

Mother of 2 said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 1:08 PM

I think this whole thing is bogus. They both know the difference between right and wrong. They know the people they are hurting in all of this mess. But I know I can sleep at night being very involved in my childrens lives. The internet is not safe. Pediators are every where!!! It is sad this lesson had to be learned the hard way!!

donald cates said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 11:06 AM

i realy dont believe he knew her age when he started communicating with her these girs all lie about their age if you dont believe check their my space or face book you will then see what your kids are doing donald didnt kidnap her she went willingly she does look to be of age

It's The Law said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 10:29 AM

To "Donald's Friend",what part aren't you understanding? She's 14 and he's 21. So what if he's the nicest guy in the entire world. The fact remains that 21-year-old men can't be "playing house" with 14 year olds. If they have been communicating for 3 years, that would have made her 11 or 12, he 18 or 19 when this all started!I think you should post encouraging messages to your friend to stop robbing the cradle and come home. If she's product of her parents then SHE AIN'T WORTH IT!!

FRIEND OF DONALDS said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 9:52 AM

DONALD IS A LOVING AND CARING PERSON PEOPLE CALL HIM A BIG O TEDDY BEAR. HE WILL DO ANYTHING FOR HIS FRIENDS EVEN TRAVEL 1000 OF MILES TO COME GET THEM IF THEY ASK HIM TO. PEOPLE U BETTER START CHECKING INTO ALL THE FACTS AND QUIT POSTING & PUBLISHING THINGS THAT ARE NOT TRUE. JUST CAUSE HE IS OLDER THAN SIERRA DOENST MEAN THIS WAS HIS IDEA U GUYS BETTER CHECK INTO SIERRA AND PLUS SHE KNEW HE WAS COMING AND THEY BEEN TALKING FOR ABOUT 3 YRS. WE MISS U DONALD COME HOME

True Facts said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 9:44 AM

Donald WAS NOT charged or convicted of raping 5 girls. He was accused but u guys dont know the whole story so quit printing stuff thats not true. THE GILRS THAT ACCUSSED HIM HAVE A HISTORY OF CALLING RAPE ON OTHER GUYS IN THE SAME TOWN. SONALD IS NOT A RAPIST OR A KIDNAPPER OR A SEX OFFENDER. Y DONT U GUYS SSTART CHECKING IN TO FACTS ABOUT SIERRA SHE WAS THE ONE WHO MOST LIKELY CONVINCED HIM TO COME GET HER SO SHE CAN RUN AWAY

your right said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 9:01 AM

her parents allowed all of this to go on. from what i know her parents are the ones who talked with him. his parents would never send her gifts, i believe all the facts are getting turned around. donald is a trusting and kind person. maybe her parents need more than education. this is a waste of air time. real crimes are being commited and need this space.

Red Lodge said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 7:34 AM

I know I am going to get blasted for my comment, but here goes anyway. Her parents let her get involved with an internet relationship at 12! WHAT?! Allowed her to recieve gifts, and phone calls, even from "his" parents. What?! Now it's a shocker that she might be with him? This is ANOTHER waste for tax payers! Her parents are ignorant to all the education available to parents about the internet. There are more responsible people out there that deserve the news spot light.

donalds friend said on Thursday, Apr 16 at 7:06 AM

we know you would never hurt anyone. we dont believe a word we read or hear. people have always lied about you. you are in our prayers

meghan said on Wednesday, Apr 15 at 9:21 PM

i miss you sierra and all your friends want you back home.

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