Bobby Allan Aldinger Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Minor, Sturgis SD, 2023

A Sturgis Man Faces Serious Crimes

RAPID CITY – A 52-year-old Sturgis man is in hot water after a federal grand jury indicted him for attempting to exploit a minor. Bobby Allan Aldinger, 52, was charged with Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography, and Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor.

According to reports, the indictment was filed in November 2022, but it wasn’t until February 21, 2023, that Aldinger appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann. Aldinger pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The maximum penalty for conviction is a mandatory minimum of 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, mandatory minimum of five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.

Prosecutors say the charges stem from Aldinger’s attempts to exploit an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a 14-year-old female. The investigation is ongoing, with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations working together.

Aldinger was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for May 2, 2023.

The charge is merely an accusation, and Aldinger is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.

As this case unfolds, we will keep you updated with the latest developments.