Sioux Empire Today

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Richard Alan Kucera, 67, from Winner, South Dakota, was found guilty of two counts of sex trafficking of a child and two counts of production of child pornography. The verdict came after a four-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, on July 18, 2025.

Each count of sex trafficking carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and could lead to life imprisonment. Additionally, there is the possibility of a $250,000 fine and supervised release for five years up to life. Each count also includes a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Production of child pornography charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and could result in up to 30 years in prison.

Kucera was indicted alongside Ivy Heron, 37, also from Winner. Evidence presented at the trial showed that between 2019 and 2021, Kucera and Heron agreed to recruit local girls for sexual activity with Kucera in exchange for payment. Heron received fees for each girl recruited who was selected by Kucera. Between 2020 and 2021, Heron recruited two sixteen-year-old girls whom Kucera paid for sexual activities. He also created child pornography images and videos involving these minors which were uploaded to Facebook.

The arrangement was uncovered in June 2022 when law enforcement interviewed the minor victims. Heron pleaded guilty on April 9, 2025, to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a child and is awaiting sentencing.

The FBI investigated this case with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuting it as part of Project Safe Childhood—an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.

A presentence investigation has been ordered for Kucera who remains in custody pending sentencing.