Bryson Priest, Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, South Dakota 2026

RAPID CITY - In a disturbing case of online predation, a Sturgis man has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for enticing a minor using the internet. On March 9, 2026, U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler handed down the sentence to Bryson Priest, 26, who had pleaded guilty to the charges in November 2025.

Priest was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2024 and was subsequently arrested for his role in engaging in sexually explicit communications with a 15-year-old minor between March 2021 and January 2023. During this time, Priest, who was between 21 and 23 years old, persuaded the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, creating images of the minor by taking screen shots of the images and videos she sent him.

According to authorities, Priest was also in possession of other child sexual abuse material, which was discovered after law enforcement searched his accounts and devices. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Rapid City Police Department. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. Priest was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The sentence imposed by Judge Theeler includes 10 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Priest was also ordered to pay $95 in restitution and $100 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, with forfeiture also ordered.

This case highlights the importance of Project Safe Childhood's efforts to combat online child predation and exploitation. By working together with law enforcement and community partners, we can help keep our children safe from these predators and ensure they receive the support and resources they need to heal.

Priest's actions were a clear violation of the trust and innocence of a minor, and his sentence serves as a reminder that those who prey on children will be held accountable for their crimes. As we continue to work towards a safer and more just society, cases like this one serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect our children.

Defendant: Bryson Priest, 26, of Sturgis, South Dakota

Criminal Charges: Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet (18 U.S.C. § 2422(a))

City and State: Rapid City, South Dakota

Exact Date: March 9, 2026 (sentencing)

Sentence or Outcome: 10 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, with restitution and special assessments ordered

Dollar Amounts: $95 in restitution, $100 in special assessments

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/sturgis-man-sentenced-over-10-years-federal-prison-sexual-enticement-minor-using