Robert Bungert, Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography, South Dakota 2020

Sturgis Man Sentenced for Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography

Robert Bungert, a 57-year-old Sturgis man, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. Bungert was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to the United States Attorney's Office, the conviction stemmed from an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Bungert was arrested and federally indicted after multiple text messages with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old prostitute, but who was in fact an undercover agent.

Bungert knowingly attempted to receive an image of child pornography from the 14-year-old undercover persona and proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Bungert went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor’s pimp, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.

The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Sturgis Police Department, and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

Bungert was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Defendant Information:

Defendant: Robert Bungert

Age: 57

Criminal Charges: Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography

City: Sturgis

State: South Dakota

Sentencing Date: November 2, 2020

Sentence: Five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release

Special Assessment: $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/sturgis-man-sentenced-attempted-receipt-child-pornography-0