U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell | U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell has announced the sentencing of Mason Benoist, a resident of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, for the receipt of child pornography. The sentencing was carried out by U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte on May 6, 2025.
Benoist, aged 24, received a six-year federal prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release. Additionally, he is required to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The legal proceedings began with Benoist's indictment by a federal grand jury in January 2024. He later entered a guilty plea on February 5, 2025.
The case against Benoist originated from his actions in April 2022 when he received and possessed child pornography via his mobile phone. Law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation following CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In May 2023, authorities contacted Benoist at his home in Eagle Butte, where he admitted to the charges. A search of his electronic devices confirmed the presence of child pornography, leading to their forfeiture to the United States.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to address child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. This project coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local resources to pursue offenders and support victims.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen led the prosecution.
Following sentencing, Benoist was placed into custody under the U.S. Marshals Service.
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