Nine Charged In Sturgis Rally Sex Trafficking Sting
September 2, 2021STURGIS, S.D. — Every year, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally brings in hundreds of thousands of tourists to the Black Hills, and with the rise in tourists comes a rise in certain crimes.
During the Rally every year, multiple agencies throughout South Dakota conduct stings on sex trafficking operations. In 2021, nine men have been arrested and charged with a variety of offenses.
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet is 10 years up to life in federal prison; any term of years, not less than five, up to lifetime supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and a $5,000 assessment if not indigent. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and all nine defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.