South Dakota Man Convicted of Producing Child Pornography

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Phillip C. Running, age 23, of Parmelee, South Dakota, was convicted of two counts of production of child pornography as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. These charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. Restitution may also be ordered. Running was indicted by a federal grand jury for production of child pornography on August 17, 2010. The charges stem from incidents in which Running videotaped two minor children engaging in sexually explicit conduct on or about between June 2001 and May 2002.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for March 1, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal.