United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced the conviction of William Henry Riese, 34, from Rapid City, South Dakota. Riese was found guilty of several charges including Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The verdict was delivered by a jury after a three-day trial in federal district court in Rapid City on February 27, 2025.
The offenses carry significant penalties, with mandatory minimum sentences starting at 15 years and potentially extending to life imprisonment. Additionally, there is a possible fine of up to $250,000, lifetime supervised release, and a $400 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution could also be imposed.
Riese's arrest followed an undercover operation during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August 2022 aimed at internet predators. He engaged in explicit communication with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl but who was actually an undercover agent. After arranging to meet the minor for unlawful activities, Riese was apprehended by law enforcement at the agreed location.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. It involves federal, state, and local resources working together to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations along with various South Dakota law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox led the prosecution.
A presentence investigation has been ordered with sentencing set for May 30, 2025. Riese remains in custody under the U.S. Marshals Service.