ABERDEEN, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced on Monday, June 23, that a Milbank, South Dakota, man has been sentenced for Production of Child Pornography.

Jason Honetschlager, 45, was indicted in November 2023 and pleaded guilty on September 30, 2024.

On June 16, 2025, Honetschlager was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison and must register as a sex offender upon release.

An investigation uncovered that in 2023, Honetschlager targeted teenagers in Milbank, South Dakota, offering tobacco and marijuana in exchange for sexually explicit images and acts.

The investigation discovered 8 minor victims.

“We are fortunate to have sophisticated and dedicated law enforcement agents and prosecutors working to hold these offenders responsible, but it is imperative we all join the fight against child exploitation. Talk frequently and openly with your children about their use of social media and be on the lookout for behavior indicative of exploitation, such as abruptly deleting social media accounts or frequently creating new accounts; turning off or hiding devices in the presence of a parent or other adult; clearing web browser histories; and unexplained money or gift cards,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell.

This case was investigated by the Milbank Police Department, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. EbertWebb prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.