Saturday, September 18, 2021

Hurley Man Charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Hurley, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.

Lester Jahnig, age 50, was indicted on September 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 14, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between on or about May 3, 2019, and December 16, 2020, Jahnig knowingly received, and attempted to receive, child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

The charge is merely an accusation and Jahnig is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Jahnig was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

 

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