RAPID CITY, South Dakota – A disturbing case of child exploitation has come to a close, with a local man facing serious consequences for his actions. John Steele, Jr., 51, of Manderson, South Dakota, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for Receipt of Child Pornography and Assault by Beating, Striking or Wounding.
The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026, as U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler handed down the severe punishment. In addition to the prison time, Steele was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution and $125 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Steele’s crime dates back to 2012, when he began secretly photographing a minor female as she exited the shower. The victim was approximately 13 years old at the time. Steele also assaulted the adult female by striking her with his hand in 2023, at Manderson.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program, launched in May 2006, marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children.
A federal grand jury indicted Steele in July 2024, and he pleaded guilty on October 30, 2025. The case was investigated by the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuting the case.
The Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandated that the case be prosecuted in federal court due to the violent nature of the crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country. Steele was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after the sentencing.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the severity of child exploitation and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to bring justice to victims and their families.
Related Federal Cases
- Conner Harmon, Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography, South Dakota 2023 · South Dakota
- Vincent Michael Perez, Child Pornography Receipt and Distribution, South Dakota 2020 · South Dakota
- Logan Gienger, Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography, South Dakota 2020 · South Dakota
- Jordan Charles Opdahl, Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, South Dakota 2020 · South Dakota
- Jordan Charles Opdahl, Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, South Dakota 2023 · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Sex Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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