Sturgis Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Attempt

STURGIS, SD — Ron Parsons, United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota, announced that Conner Harmon, 22, of Sturgis, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentence was imposed by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.

Harmon was ordered to serve eight years of supervised release following his prison term and is required to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction followed an undercover operation during the 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, aimed at internet predators. Harmon engaged in multiple chats and text exchanges with what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but was actually communicating with an undercover agent. He arranged to meet the minor for unlawful sex acts, only to be apprehended by law enforcement at the pre-determined location.

This investigation, led by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Rapid City Police Department, and Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, resulted in Harmon’s federal indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

Upon his arrest, Harmon was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The harsh sentence underscores the severity with which child pornography offenses are treated under federal law.

RELATED: Denver Man Jailed for Attempted Child Porn Possession

RELATED: Cody Two Lance Sentenced in Sturgis Sting