A Rapid City man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the attempted online enticement of a minor.
Elmer Hopper, 37, was sentenced this week after admitting he communicated over the internet with an undercover agent he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Authorities say Hopper attempted to arrange a meeting and was arrested when he arrived at West Middle School in Rapid City.
According to court records, Hopper used online messaging to engage in conversations with the individual, who was in fact a law enforcement agent conducting a sting operation.
Before sentencing, family members and friends submitted letters to the court describing Hopper as “kind” and someone who had lived an ordinary life before his arrest.
As part of his sentencing, officials are preparing a recommendation to the Bureau of Prisons that Hopper be placed in a facility offering a sex offender treatment program.
Hopper will serve his sentence in federal custody.
