Seven South Dakota men are facing charges after a sex trafficking sting operation during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Five of the men are from Rapid City. One is from Piedmont and the other is from Box Elder. They each face charges ranging from enticement of a minor using the internet to attempted sex trafficking of a minor.
According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of South Dakota, the men were arrested during a week-long undercover operation involving several different law enforcement agencies.
“Once again, this operation demonstrates the sad reality that there are individuals in our communities who are using the Internet to target young girls for sex,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell. “We are grateful to our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, who regularly collaborate to safeguard children across South Dakota. Because of their work, the Rapid City community is a little safer this week.”
Officials said the sting is designed to find and arrest individuals trying to arrange sexual encounters with underage children during the Rally.