Kia Lynn Cadogan, a former Marathon resident, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading no contest to charges of sexual battery, incest, and child neglect. The 37-year-old woman, who was adjudicated guilty by Circuit Judge Mark Jones, also faces eight years of probation, which includes one year of sex offender supervision. As part of her sentence, Cadogan will be required to register as a sex predator for life.
In addition to the 13-year sentence for sexual battery, Cadogan received concurrent five-year sentences for both incest and child neglect. The case, which was pursued by the State Attorney’s Office, has been described as one of the most horrific to come through the system, with the level of abuse and betrayal in the case being described as “almost unimaginable.”
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
State Attorney Dennis Ward commented on the case, stating, “This is one of the most horrifying cases we’ve prosecuted. The level of betrayal and abuse is almost unimaginable. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our legal team—especially Assistant State Attorney Colleen Dunne—and our dedicated law enforcement partners, Kia Cadogan is finally being held accountable. There is no expiration date on accountability. We are not finished.”
The charges against Cadogan stem from a multi-jurisdictional investigation into prolonged sexual abuse and exploitation that took place while she and her family were living aboard a sailboat in Marathon. The investigation revealed that Cadogan participated in the sexual abuse of a minor child and failed to protect multiple children from ongoing harm. During the investigation, authorities also identified a second victim, a teenager, who had been affected by the Cadogans’ actions.
Cadogan’s husband, Eric Edward Cadogan, has already been convicted in federal court for the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material. In 2024, he was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release. The evidence gathered in both the state and federal investigations has shown that Eric Cadogan’s criminal activities were closely tied to his wife’s actions.
The investigation was conducted in cooperation with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin, where the Cadogans later moved. The case was handled by Assistant State Attorney Colleen Dunne, who presented extensive forensic interviews, digital evidence, and witness statements to establish both Kia Cadogan’s direct involvement in the abuse and her willful inaction in protecting the victims.
While Eric Cadogan is currently serving his sentence in federal prison, the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office has filed additional state charges against him, which remain pending. These charges include sexual battery, lewd and lascivious conduct, child neglect, child cruelty, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The sentencing of Kia Lynn Cadogan is seen as a critical step in holding her accountable for her role in the abuse and neglect of vulnerable children. It also marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to bring justice to the victims and prevent further harm from occurring within the community.