Joseph Raleigh, Attempted Sex Trafficking, South Dakota 2016

Attempted Sex Trafficking Lands South Dakota Man Behind Bars

In a shocking case of attempted sex trafficking, 34-year-old Joseph Raleigh was sentenced to 46 months in custody and 3 years of supervised release for his crimes. The special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund was also handed down by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on September 26, 2016.

Raleigh’s conviction stems from an undercover operation conducted in the Pierre, South Dakota, area by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). The operation led to Raleigh’s response to an advertisement posted on Craigslist, which read that a minor was available for sexual activities in exchange for money. On October 16, 2015, Raleigh negotiated a price of $400 with an undercover ICAC agent, who was posing as someone who could provide the girl for sex.

Through email conversations, Raleigh arranged to have a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl in Blunt, South Dakota. However, he was met by an undercover agent instead, who had Raleigh in his possession at the negotiated price of $400. This daring sting operation brought Raleigh’s attempted sex trafficking plans to an abrupt halt.

The case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the South Dakota ICAC Task Force, and the Pierre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Albertson and Tim Maher prosecuted the case.

Raleigh was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after being sentenced. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of online safety and the devastating consequences of attempted sex trafficking.

The Grimy Times would like to commend the brave law enforcement agencies involved in bringing Joseph Raleigh to justice. Their tireless efforts have made our communities safer and will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for victims of sex trafficking.

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