SIOUX FALLS, SD – Kody William Konechne, 23, of Plankinton, South Dakota, will spend the next decade in federal prison after being sentenced for attempting to exploit a child online. U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier handed down the 10-year sentence on June 5, 2024, followed by five years of supervised release. The sentence also includes a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and mandatory sex offender registration upon his release.
The case originated from a disturbing incident on March 5, 2023. Konechne used his cell phone in a brazen attempt to coerce a 14-year-old female he’d connected with on Facebook into sexual activity. What Konechne didn’t know was that the girl was, in fact, an undercover agent working with law enforcement. He was taken into custody immediately upon arriving at the arranged meeting location, believing he was meeting his intended victim.
Konechne was initially indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He eventually pleaded guilty on February 27, 2024, facing the full weight of the law for his predatory actions. The investigation revealed a calculated effort to groom and exploit a vulnerable minor, highlighting the dangers lurking online.
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell emphasized that this prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing “Project Safe Childhood” initiative. Launched in 2006, the project is a nationwide campaign dedicated to combating the escalating crisis of child sexual exploitation and abuse. It pools resources from federal, state, and local agencies to identify predators, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice. More information on Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Homeland Security Investigations – Sioux Falls, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation spearheaded the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring Konechne was held accountable for his heinous actions. The U.S. Marshals Service immediately took Konechne into custody to begin serving his sentence.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of online predators and the importance of vigilance. Law enforcement continues to urge parents and guardians to be aware of their children’s online activity and to report any suspicious behavior. Konechne’s decade behind bars should send a clear message: exploiting children will not be tolerated.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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