Each year on February 11, "Safer Internet Day" is observed in over one hundred countries worldwide. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota uses this occasion to remind the public of the dangers associated with online child exploitation. In 2024, the office worked with various law enforcement agencies to prosecute more than 50 cases related to child exploitation or child pornography facilitated through the Internet.
One significant case involved Tyler Grimes, a 26-year-old from Aldie, Virginia. In April 2024, Grimes was convicted for using an internet application and his phone to entice a minor into sexually explicit activities. The victim was seven years old and lived in Rapid City, South Dakota. After her father discovered Grimes' communications, authorities found numerous pornographic images and videos on her iPad. Grimes received a ten-year federal prison sentence in August 2024.
Another case concerns Justin Preuschl from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Indicted in June and October of 2024 and February 2025, Preuschl faces federal charges related to exploiting minors. Allegedly starting in December 2022, he engaged in explicit communications with juvenile females online by pretending to be a teenage boy. At the time of these alleged offenses, Preuschl worked as a teacher at Whittier Middle School in Sioux Falls.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stresses the importance of parents discussing responsible internet use with their children regularly and openly. Recognizing signs of cyberbullying or sextortion is crucial; these include sudden behavioral changes like withdrawal or secrecy, frequent deletion or creation of social media accounts, hiding devices from adults, clearing browser history frequently, unexplained money or gifts appearing, and reduced time spent with friends.
For concerns about specific online activities involving minors, local law enforcement should be contacted immediately.
The office remains committed to fostering safer internet practices alongside the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.