A Sturgis man was sentenced to 10 years and three months in federal prison for sexually enticing a minor online in U.S. District Court this week.
Bryson Priest, 26, was sentenced to 10 years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Dakota. He also was ordered to pay $95 in restitution, $100 in special assessments and forfeit property connected to the case.
U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler handed down the sentence on March 9, 2026, after Priest pleaded guilty last fall to enticement of a minor using the internet.
According to court records, Priest engaged in sexually explicit online communications with a 15-year-old girl between March 2021 and January 2023. Prosecutors said Priest persuaded the minor to engage in explicit conduct during those online exchanges.
Authorities said Priest created images by capturing screenshots and recordings of content sent or live-streamed to him on social media. Investigators also found Priest in possession of additional child sexual abuse material after searching his accounts and electronic devices.
The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at preventing and prosecuting child exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to identify offenders and protect victims.
