Tyler Grimes, Child Exploitation, South Dakota 2024

Local Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Exploitation

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA – Tyler Grimes, a 26-year-old man from Aldie, Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for child exploitation. In April 2024, Grimes used the Internet-based application Omegle and his cellular phone to entice a minor to engage in sexually explicit activity. The minor, who was only 7 years old at the time, was a resident of Rapid City, South Dakota.

During his communications with the minor, Grimes repeatedly asked her for nude photos and videos of herself. She complied. After Grimes’ communications were discovered by the minor’s father, the minor was forensically interviewed. Later, many images and videos of child pornography between Grimes and the victim were located on the victim’s iPad.

Grimes was indicted on charges involving the exploitation of minors, including child pornography. He was employed as a teacher at Whittier Middle School in Sioux Falls at the time of many of the charged offenses.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota is committed to ensuring a better Internet for all. They urge parents and guardians to talk frequently and openly with children about responsible Internet use and to be aware of the warning signs of cyberbullying and sextortion, such as sudden changes in behavior, becoming withdrawn, anxious, or secretive, and deleting social media accounts.

Additionally, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is available to provide resources and support to victims and families. You can find more information at https://www.icactaskforce.org/Pages/InternetSafety.aspx and https://saferinternetday.us/.

The charges against Grimes are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are committed to bringing justice to victims of child exploitation.

**Mandatory Facts:**

• Defendant: Tyler Grimes
• Criminal Charges: Child Exploitation, Child Pornography
• City and State: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Exact Date: April 2024
• Sentence: 10 years in federal prison

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