Sioux City Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Sioux City, Iowa, man charged with Commercial Sex Trafficking after answering an on-line advertisement, has been convicted by a federal jury in Sioux Falls. The US Department of Homeland Security Investigations, along with the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, conducted an on-line undercover operation, known as “Operation Crossing Guard,” to identify persons who attempt to purchase sex acts with children.

Daron Jungers, age 40, of Sioux City, Iowa, replied to an online advertisement posted by undercover police officers. Jungers arranged to pay for sex with an 11 year-old girl in Sioux Falls and was arrested after he arrived at the undercover location. Jungers was tried by a federal jury for the charge. "This undercover operation is an excellent example of a concerted effort by federal, city, county and state agencies to make our communities safer for children," US Attorney Johnson said. "I would like to thank all of the agencies who participated."

Jungers faces a minimum sentence of 15 years’ incarceration and a maximum of life imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the US Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant US Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

Jungers was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal.