Suspect sentenced for getting caught up in a sex trafficking sting at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

A suspect has been sentenced following getting caught up in an underage sex trafficking sting in at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. According to authorities, 36-year-old Elmer James Hopper allegedly made an online profile in August of 2025 and begun corresponding with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl when in fact it was an undercover officer. Hopper allegedly set up a meeting with the girl at a Rapid City Middle School where he was arrested. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.