Edgemont Man Indicted for Multiple Offenses

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Edgemont, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Transportation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor.

Darren Scott Heller, age 48, was indicted on March 22, 2016.  Heller appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on April 29, 2016, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Heller transporting a minor female intending to engage in sexual activity with her, and using the internet and cellular connections to attempt to persuade her to engage in sexual activity and to send her obscene material. The charges are merely an accusation and Heller is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.

Heller was released on bond pending trial.