Julio Rodriguez, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, South Dakota 2020

Sioux Falls Man Indicted for Sex Crime

A chilling indictment has been handed down in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as Julio Rodriguez, III, a/k/a Julio Rodriquez, III, faces serious allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.

According to the indictment, Rodriguez, 19, knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with a minor under the age of 16 on July 10, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Rodriguez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 12, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. He was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuting the case.

Rodriguez, who has been released on bond, is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The allegations against him are merely accusations.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of sex crimes against minors. The community is left to wonder how such abuse can occur, and what steps can be taken to prevent it in the future.

As the trial date approaches, Rodriguez's fate will be decided by a federal judge. The people of Sioux Falls and the nation await the outcome with bated breath.

For now, the case remains open, with Rodriguez's future hanging in the balance.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/sioux-falls-man-indicted-sexual-abuse-minor