Ten arrested in Sturgis Rally undercover sex sting

STURGIS, S.D. (AP) – Federal court records show 10 men were arrested in an undercover sting operation targeting people using the internet to meet minors for sex at the Sturgis motorcycle rally.

The sting conducted this month involved law enforcement posing as girls and a boy age 15. It was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigations, federal Homeland Security Investigations and local agencies.

Nine men have pleaded not guilty to enticing a minor using the internet. A conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A 10th man is charged as a convicted sex offender. Four of the men have been released from jail.

The operation targeted “online predators” by posting or creating profiles on Craigslist and dating and chatting apps.

AP-WF-08-14-19 1140GMT