Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
A Minnesota man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for the production of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann handed down the sentence to Jason Honetschlager, aged 45, who was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2023 and pleaded guilty on September 30, 2024.
The sentencing took place on June 16, 2025. Upon release, Honetschlager will be required to register as a sex offender.
Investigations revealed that throughout 2023, Honetschlager targeted teenagers in Milbank, South Dakota, using Snapchat to entice them into providing sexually explicit images and acts. He offered tobacco and marijuana products in exchange for these images and acts. Law enforcement became aware of his activities when a video surfaced showing him forcing a young teenage girl to perform oral sex on him. The investigation identified eight minor victims.
“Honetschlager’s actions are almost unspeakable,” stated U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “But unfortunately, this type of conduct is becoming more commonplace on social media platforms. 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."
The case was investigated by the Milbank Police Department, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations with Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuting.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Honetschlager was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.
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