Attorney General Jackley Credits Law Enforcement with Arrest in Youth Sexual Abduction
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley credits South Dakota law enforcement with the arrest in a youth sexual abduction case Monday afternoon.
Attorney General Jackley said the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) was notified Monday afternoon by Wyoming authorities who were searching for a vehicle involved in the abduction of a 15-year-old female from Sundance, WY.
Highway Patrol troopers stopped the vehicle on I-90 near the Aurora County line, east of Plankinton. The stop occurred less than one hour after South Dakota authorities had been first notified.
The adult male suspect was identified as Dalton Renollet, 36, of Maricopa, AZ. He has been charged with one count of Sexual Contact with a Minor in Aurora County. The female victim was safely recovered.
Wyoming authorities had initially been working with Utah thinking that Renollet was taking the female back to Arizona. License Plate Readers (LPR) technology located the suspect’s vehicle in South Dakota.
“A 15-year-old abducted and traumatized girl has been brought to safety by the excellent work of law enforcement. This incident demonstrates how valuable technology can be in protecting the public and assisting officers to locate a vulnerable juvenile and bring her to safety within an hour,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I remain committed to strict safeguards and oversight to ensure this technology protects the public from serious crimes with strong protections in place to safeguard personal privacy.”
Attorney General Jackley has announced plans to propose legislation to ensure that technology is used solely for legitimate law enforcement purposes with strong protection for the public’s privacy. He is working with legislators, law enforcement, and prosecutors on legislation to establish clear standards and safeguards for law enforcement’s use of this and similar technology, ensuring it is used responsibly, with appropriate oversight and consequences for any misuse.
The Aurora County State’s Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the South Dakota case. Other charges are expected to be filed in Wyoming. The defendant is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.
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