John J. Stratman, Sex Trafficking of a Minor, Nebraska 2022

Sex Trafficking of a Minor Lands Sioux Falls Man Behind Bars

A 73-year-old Sioux Falls man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a sex trafficking scheme that targeted a 15-year-old girl.

John J. Stratman, a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was sentenced on August 18, 2022 in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. According to court documents, Stratman contacted an undercover law enforcement officer in October 2021, claiming he wanted to meet with a 15-year-old girl for sex.

Over the course of several months, Stratman and the undercover officer communicated via cell phone, discussing the arrangement of sexual activity with the minor. Stratman even booked a hotel room in Omaha and paid the officer $200 in cash for the planned encounter.

On January 4, 2022, Stratman traveled from South Dakota to Omaha, bringing gifts for the minor, including candy and flowers. When the undercover officer arrived at the hotel, Stratman was ready to meet with the minor, who was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.

Stratman's crimes were part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

Stratman was sentenced to 135 months in prison, with no parole. He will also serve a 7-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. In addition, Stratman was ordered to pay a $20,000 fine and a $5,000 special assessment. He also forfeited a 2019 Buick Enclave.

The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of online predators and the importance of protecting our children from exploitation. As a community, we must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Stratman's conviction is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies working to combat sex trafficking and protect our most vulnerable citizens.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ne/pr/73-year-old-sioux-falls-man-sentenced-travelling-have-sex-minor