Mission Man Gets 18-Month Sentence for Sex Abuse of Minor

Julio Rodriguez, III, a resident of Mission, South Dakota, has been handed an 18-month federal prison sentence following his conviction for Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentence, announced by Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes on November 22, 2021, also includes a mandatory five years of supervised release and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Rodriguez’s legal woes began when he was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2021, for his despicable act. On August 19, 2021, Rodriguez entered a guilty plea, setting in motion his swift descent into justice.

The crime itself is a grim reminder of the horror that can befall young victims. According to court documents, on July 10, 2020, Rodriguez, then 18 years old, engaged in a sexual act with a 13-year-old minor within Todd County. The investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case with vigor.

Upon conviction, Rodriguez was promptly turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, a stark contrast to the freedom he had previously enjoyed. His sentence serves as a stern reminder of the consequences that await those who prey on the innocence of minors.

Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange presided over the sentencing hearing, and it was his courtroom where Rodriguez’s fate was sealed. The justice system has spoken, and the community is now safer for having seen this predator behind bars.

This case is a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and the legal professionals who work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable members of society. For Julio Rodriguez, III, his actions have earned him an unforgettable chapter in South Dakota’s criminal history, one that will forever stain his name.

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