Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell has 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 reached after a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City on February 27, 2025.
The offenses carry significant penalties, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and potential for life imprisonment. Additional penalties include a $250,000 fine, up to lifetime supervised release, and a $400 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be imposed.
Riese's arrest occurred following an undercover operation during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August 2022. This operation targeted internet predators and led to his indictment. Riese engaged in conversations and exchanged explicit messages with an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl. He arranged to meet this supposed minor for illegal activities but was apprehended by law enforcement at the meeting location.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program involves collaboration among federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox handled prosecution duties.
A presentence investigation has been ordered for Riese, with sentencing set for May 30, 2025. He remains in custody under the U.S. Marshals Service.
