Judge Sentences Sioux Falls Man to 10 Years
Toby Ferguson received a federal sentence for child pornography possession following his 2026 guilty plea.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Sex Crimes
A federal judge sentenced 55-year-old Toby Ferguson to 10 years in prison for the possession of child pornography. The sentencing follows Ferguson's guilty plea entered in July 2026.
Why it matters
The sentencing marks the conclusion of a federal case triggered by a CyberTip regarding the illegal download of files depicting the sexual abuse of minors under the age of 12.
Ferguson received a 10-year prison sentence, five years of supervised release, and a 25-year sex offender registration requirement. The defendant was on state parole for a prior 1993 child rape conviction at the time of his arrest.
The players
Toby Ferguson
He is a 55-year-old resident of Sioux Falls who was previously convicted of first-degree rape in 1993.
The details
Authorities identified Ferguson after he attempted to download illegal files, which triggered an automated CyberTip. Investigators confirmed the possession of files depicting the sexual abuse of minors under the age of 12.
Timeline
In 1993, Ferguson was convicted of first-degree rape of a child.
Between January 2024 and September 2024, illegal file download incidents occurred.
A federal grand jury indicted Ferguson in December 2024.
Ferguson entered a guilty plea in July 2026.
The sentencing hearing took place on October 26, 2026.
Legal Context
The sentence extends the accountability for a history of criminal behavior that began with the 1993 Lawrence and Fall River County child rape conviction. This prosecution highlights the ongoing federal monitoring of individuals previously convicted of serious sexual offenses.
The resolution of this case removes a convicted sex offender from the community following his violation of state parole conditions. Residents are reminded that federal monitoring of illegal digital activity continues to be a primary method for identifying recidivist offenders.
The takeaway
This case demonstrates the effectiveness of digital monitoring tools in flagging illegal content associated with known offenders. It serves as a reminder of the permanent nature of sex offender registration and the long-term legal consequences for repeat offenses.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dakotanewsnow.
