Sturgis Man Sentenced for Enticing Minor

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bryson Priest, a Sturgis, South Dakota resident, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually enticing a minor online. Priest pleaded guilty last fall to charges of engaging in explicit online communications with a 15-year-old girl and convincing her to participate in explicit conduct. Authorities found Priest in possession of child sexual abuse material after searching his accounts and devices as part of the nationwide Project Safe Childhood initiative.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of online child exploitation and the importance of law enforcement efforts to identify and prosecute perpetrators through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood. It also underscores the need for continued education and awareness around online safety for minors.

The details

Bryson Priest, a 32-year-old Sturgis resident, was sentenced on March 9th to 10 years in federal prison for sexually enticing a minor online. Priest had pleaded guilty last fall to charges related to his explicit online communications with a 15-year-old girl, in which he convinced her to engage in explicit conduct. Authorities discovered that Priest was also in possession of child sexual abuse material after searching his electronic accounts and devices as part of the nationwide Project Safe Childhood initiative, which aims to prevent child exploitation.

• Priest pleaded guilty to the charges last fall.
• Priest was sentenced on March 9, 2026.