Sioux Falls Man Acquitted of Sex Offender Registration Failure

In a stunning turn of events, Phillip Running, a 32-year-old man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was declared not guilty of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender following a federal jury trial in Pierre. The verdict came after the case had been under intense scrutiny and media coverage.

Running, who was required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) due to a previous sex offense conviction, stood accused of failing to update his registration between December 14, 2018, and December 20, 2018. The charge carried serious consequences, and Running faced substantial penalties if convicted.

The investigation into the case was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, a federal agency known for its rigorous enforcement of sex offender laws. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Dakota prosecuted the case with vigor, ensuring that all legal avenues were exhausted to secure a conviction.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced the verdict, stating, “The jury has spoken, and in this instance, they have found the defendant not guilty. This decision reflects the careful consideration of evidence and the rights of an accused person.” The trial, which began mid-morning on May 2, 2019, concluded in the afternoon of the same day, leaving many to ponder the implications of the case for sex offender registration laws in South Dakota.

Phillip Running was initially indicted by a federal grand jury on February 13, 2019, marking the beginning of what would be a lengthy and complex legal battle. His acquittal has raised questions about how effectively SORNA is being enforced across the country and whether there are gaps in the system that could lead to similar outcomes.

As the case comes to a close, it remains to be seen whether any changes will be made to South Dakota’s sex offender registration laws. For now, Phillip Running has been cleared of all charges, and his name is no longer associated with this high-profile legal battle.