Rushmore State News

A Box Elder man, previously sentenced in state court for sexual offenses against a minor, has received an additional seven-year federal prison sentence for distributing child pornography. The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell and delivered by U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler on June 23, 2025.

Branden Tyler Bernard, aged 34, will serve the federal sentence consecutively to his previous state sentence, bringing his total imprisonment to 17 years. He is also ordered to undergo 10 years of supervised release post-incarceration and pay $12,500 in restitution along with a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Additionally, Bernard must register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Alison J. Ramsdell commented on the case: “This is yet another case in which a bad actor utilized Snapchat to target and sexually exploit a vulnerable young victim here in South Dakota.” She highlighted the collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement that led to additional charges against Bernard following the discovery of hundreds of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material during an initial state investigation.

The federal indictment included charges of Distribution of Child Pornography, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography filed by a grand jury in November 2023. Bernard pleaded guilty on March 21, 2025.

The case originated from an investigation into Bernard's exploitation of a 13-year-old child in Meade County using Snapchat for solicitation. When reported missing by her mother in 2023, the child was found at Bernard's residence leading to his arrest. Investigators uncovered extensive evidence on multiple electronic devices belonging to Bernard showing communication about trading and distributing child sexual abuse depictions involving victims ranging from infants to preteen minors.

In addition to his federal charges, Bernard had earlier pleaded guilty to Fourth Degree Rape in Meade County Circuit Court where he received a state prison sentence with part suspended.

This prosecution forms part of Project Safe Childhood initiated by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation nationwide since May 2006 through coordinated efforts across various levels of law enforcement agencies.

The investigative team comprised members from Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce alongside several other agencies including Homeland Security Investigations among others while Assistant U.S Attorney Heather Knox managed prosecution proceedings resulting ultimately placing Bernard under immediate custody transfer facilitated via U.S Marshals Service authority upon conclusion judgment declaration