{KXLG – Aberdeen, SD} An Aberdeen man has been indicted on seven counts of computer-generated child pornography, a newly defined crime in South Dakota. A Brown County Grand Jury charged William Webster Bragg, 56, on September 11.
The charges stem from alleged offenses on or about August 13, 2024. Bragg faces one count of Distributing Child Pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and six counts of Possessing Child Pornography, each with a maximum sentence of 10 years.
The new South Dakota law, which took effect on July 1, 2024, criminalizes the possession, distribution, and manufacturing of computer-generated child pornography, including images and videos created using artificial intelligence. This includes “deepfake” content that manipulates authentic images of children to depict them in prohibited sexual acts.
Attorney General Jackley praised the passage of the law, stating that it was necessary to protect children from the growing threat of computer-generated child pornography. “This case demonstrates why the Legislature needed to act,” he said.
Bragg’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 15, 2024. He has been released on a $30,000 cash bond. The defendant is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the state Internet Crimes Against Children unit, the FBI, and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting it.
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